Dec 22, 2015 2 min read

Hunter Hayes did not produce eye-popping statistics this fall and could not replicate the memorable performance he displayed during the PIAA playoffs as a junior, but that did not stop the South Fayette senior running back from being named all-state for the second consecutive season.

Hayes, who was named the Observer-Reporter Football Player of the Year, was also selected to the 2015 Pennsylvania Football Writers’ Class AA All-State team, which was released Tuesday afternoon. Hayes rushed 136 times for 1,381 yards and 22 touchdowns in guiding the Lions to the WPIAL title game. Aliquippa would eventually stop South Fayette’s 44-game winning streak at Heinz Field.

Running back Kaezon Pugh and Aliquippa couldn’t survive a nightmare performance last Saturday in Hershey. Still, the University of Pittsburgh recruit would not settle for another runner-up trophy.

Pugh, who finished just shy of 5,000 career rushing yards, was tagged as the Class AA Player of the Year after leading the WPIAL champions back to the PIAA championship game at Hersheypark Stadium.

Despite Pugh’s 109 rushing yards and first-quarter scoring run, the Quips committed seven turnovers and were outpointed 49-14 by Southern Columbia, which claimed a record seventh PIAA championship and first in Class AA.

The Tigers, headed by Coach of the Year Jim Roth, are well represented on the elite all-star roster. Quarterback Nick Becker, running back Hunter Thomas, lineman Josh Yoder, linebacker Matt Bell and defensive back Cameron Young all garnered top honors.

For the sixth year the all-state process has been overseen by the sports writers who cover high school football around the Commonwealth. Players are nominated in all four classifications, then a statewide ballot is issued to afford all writers the opportunity to cast their votes.

Pugh is one of nine repeat selections, Hayes and Montoursville’s Keith Batkowski were among the group.

Batkowski set multiple single-season records at Montoursville with 1,917 rushing yards and 23 touchdowns.

Representing District 3 is Berks Catholic athlete Isaac Lutz and Wyomissing linebacker Christian Martir. Lutz, an all-state pick at defensive back in 2014, established 20 program records in his career. He produced 32 touchdowns this season for the 12-2 Saints.

Martir registered a team-high 80 tackles and pulled double duty with 1,231 rushing yards and 22 scores. Juniata’s Chantz Swartz fueled the Indians’ run to the District 6 championship game, totaling 2,569 yards from scrimmage and producing 43 total touchdowns. Swartz averaged 10.4 yards per carry in three varsity seasons.