Saxton named South Fayette’s starting quarterback
For only the ninth game since 2008, a quarterback not named Brumbaugh will lead South Fayette’s offense onto the field Friday night. A much-discussed position battle has finally been decided.
Sophomore Drew Saxton has been named the Lions’ starting quarterback for the 2015 season, according to head coach Joe Rossi. It was not an easy decision to make. South Fayette carries a 32-game winning streak – the ninth-longest in the nation – into Friday’s game at East Allegheny (7 p.m.).
Junior Mikey Speca was outstanding in South Fayette’s first scrimmage against Chartiers Valley and Saxton put on a show last Friday against Canon-McMillan, throwing three touchdown passes and commanding the offense.
Speca will play all over the field for the Lions, seeing time at both cornerback and in multiple positions on offense. Saxton led the scout team offense during the PIAA playoffs last fall when the coaching staff wanted to give Brett Brumbaugh a rest and he saw action late in games that were out of hand.
He completed 13 of 23 passes for 84 yards and threw two interceptions in relief last fall, but excelled in practice and Rossi believes a year learning under Brumbaugh will pay dividends.
Saxton can lean on five returning starters on the offensive line, a plethora of talent at wide receiver and senior running back Hunter Hayes, a Division I recruit who rushed for 2,103 yards and 33 touchdowns last fall.