O-R Athlete of the Week: Nico Mauro, Trinity
Name: Nico Mauro
School: Trinity
Class: Senior
Sports: Football
Mauro’s week: The Hillers’ bruising running back gained 353 yards on 28 carries and scored five touchdowns in Trinity’s 49-21 victory at Chartiers Valley last Friday in Class 4A Big Six Conference play.
Mauro showed he has some speed to go along with his power, as four of his touchdowns were more than 20 yards, including a 58-yard sprint in the second half.
The Hillers’ rushing attack was firing on all cylinders against the Colts, as Owen Gardner gained 116 yards and the team rushed for 500.
“I have to give credit to our offensive line because they are the ones that open up the holes for me and my teammates,” Mauro said. “Our quarterback, Jonah Williamson, was dealing with a little bit of an injury and didn’t practice much during the week, so our coach told the other backs that we have to step up.”
Mauro scored on several long runs, but he is not afraid of some contact, as he prefers to run the ball “up the gut.”
Mauro’s rushing total was just shy of Joey Koroly’s single-game school record of 358 yards, which he set Sept. 22, 2017 in a 62-34 victory over Blackhawk. Koroly scored six touchdowns against Laurel Highlands on Sept. 6, 2016.
Defense wins championships: As much as Mauro enjoyed his huge day running the ball and scoring touchdowns, lining up the opposition for a tackle from his spot at inside linebacker is his favorite thing to do on the football field.
Mauro, who intends to play football in college, was all-conference at lineback last year.
“I have always been a linebacker and fullback type of guy,” Mauro said. “I will play whatever position they want me to play in college, but it would be great to play linebacker.
“My dad and brother played football, and my dad went on to play in college, so football has always been important to me. I think everything started to click for me in middle school, and I believed I could do something special in this sport if I continued to work hard.”
Unfinished business: Trinity won its first playoff game since 2007 last year when it blanked North Catholic, 49-0, in the first round of the WPIAL Class 4A playoffs.
The Hillers (2-1, 3-5) are looking to get back into the postseason this season with home games against Laurel Highlands (1-2, 4-3) and Belle Vernon (2-1, 3-3). The season finale against the Leopards could be an elimination game, as only two teams from each conference in Class 4A automatically qualify for the playoffs.
The WPIAL football committee will award two at-large bids to complete the eight-team bracket.
“Obviously, we want to get that automatic qualifying spot for the playoffs,” Mauro said. “We had some success in the playoffs last year, which we hope carries over to this season, but we have to get in.”
Just football: Mauro played lacrosse and basketball in his youth, but he has devoted his time to academics and football.
“When I am not doing something with football, I am either studying or watching football,” Mauro said. “I do like to hang out with my family and friends.”
Compiled by Jonathan Guth