Clairton football team faces challenge of stopping state's all-time leading passer
In winning a state-record 61 games in a row, the Clairton football team has played many talented teams and players.
Friday, they go up against perhaps the best quarterback they have played during that streak.
Three-time defending PIAA Class A champion Clairton (14-0) will be presented with a big challenge when they face Port Allegany (13-0) in a semifinal game at Deer Lakes.
Port Allegany features senior quarterback Matt Bodamer, the most prolific passer in Pennsylvania high school football history. In four seasons, Bodamer has thrown for 10,779 yards and also has 2,282 yards rushing. In last week’s quarterfinal game against Sharpsville, Bodamer threw an 11-yard touchdown pass with 17 seconds left to give Port Allegheny a 28-21 win.
Clairton coach Tom Nola said his team will have to play at a high level to contain Bodamer and the Port Allegany offense.
“He has good pocket presence,” Nola said. “He’s pretty elusive and he has pretty good speed running the ball. We have to do a good job keeping him boxed in. And he throws the ball well. When he has time, he’s very accurate. We just can’t give him time.”
Friday, they go up against perhaps the best quarterback they have played during that streak.
Three-time defending PIAA Class A champion Clairton (14-0) will be presented with a big challenge when they face Port Allegany (13-0) in a semifinal game at Deer Lakes.
Port Allegany features senior quarterback Matt Bodamer, the most prolific passer in Pennsylvania high school football history. In four seasons, Bodamer has thrown for 10,779 yards and also has 2,282 yards rushing. In last week’s quarterfinal game against Sharpsville, Bodamer threw an 11-yard touchdown pass with 17 seconds left to give Port Allegheny a 28-21 win.
Clairton coach Tom Nola said his team will have to play at a high level to contain Bodamer and the Port Allegany offense.
“He has good pocket presence,” Nola said. “He’s pretty elusive and he has pretty good speed running the ball. We have to do a good job keeping him boxed in. And he throws the ball well. When he has time, he’s very accurate. We just can’t give him time.”
football