Drew Saxton, South Fayette
Last week: Saxton threw for 402 yards and four touchdowns in South Fayette’s 48-14 win at Highlands to remain undefeated at 9-0.
Check this out: With another big passing game in South Fayette’s high-powered offense, Saxton became just the second player in WPIAL history to throw for at least 400 yards in multiple games. Former Avonworth standout Zach Chandler became the first when he did it twice last season.
College talk: A 6-foot junior in his second year starting, Saxton has Ivy League interest.
Did you know you’re only the second WPIAL QB with two 400-yard games now? I did not. Wow, that’s sweet.
What’s it like being a South Fayette QB not named Brumbaugh? [Laugh] People sometimes ask me, ‘Are the Brumbaughs your cousins?’ But it’s fun. Being the guy at South Fayette is a great experience.
How does South Fayette continue to just reload every season? It’s definitely the coaches. They start with us when we’re in seventh, eighth grade. Coach [Joe] Rossi and all the other coaches, they go to the youth games, they teach young kids and that’s really what it comes down to. They’re out there in the community working with us as kids.
Most underrated guy on your team if you had to pick one? I’d have to say Drew Gedrys, our left tackle and defensive end. He is an unbelievable player. He might not show up as a game-changer, but he’s so technically sound on both sides of the ball. It amazes me he doesn’t get looked at by more colleges.
Smart move by a QB to say his left tackle … [Laugh] Yeah, definitely.
Which team do you wish you could play this year? Aliquippa. No doubt in my mind, just because of all we had with us playing them the past few years, but now we’re not in the same conference. It would’ve been a great game.
As a QB yourself, should the Steelers keep going with Landry Jones as long as they have to? Just watching him, I think he did well. He’s been in the program for a while. When you’re a backup quarterback, you don’t get the same reps, so I think they should.
— By Brian Batko
Bailey Cartwright, Greensburg Central Catholic
Recently: Cartwright broke the WPIAL career goal-scoring record held by former Greensburg Central Catholic player Frannie Crouse. Cartwright also scored three goals in the Centurions’ 5-0 victory against Sewickley Academy in the first round of the WPIAL Class 1A playoffs Monday.
Check this out: Cartwright has 219 career goals and she also is the state record holder for career assists. A 5-foot-6 senior, Cartwright led the WPIAL in goals during the regular season with 50. She committed to Notre Dame during her sophomore year. At Greensburg CC, she is coached by her father, Bryan.
Now that you have the goals record, is it really a big deal to you? Yes and no. I mean, it’s awesome to have it, but that wasn’t my main concern. My main concern has always been with the team and winning.
But for the team to win, don’t you have to score a lot? Exactly [laugh]. Someone has to put the ball in the net.
Well then what does the assists record mean? Honestly, that means a lot more to me. People always say goals matter, but if no one assists you, how are you going to score? Assists show you as more of an all-around and team player.
What do you say to critics who say you wouldn’t have so many goals in a higher classification? I think we’re all playing soccer, even if the competition is different in a higher division. In the [Class 1A] division, we still have to work hard for what we get. My team works hard, too. There’s an equal feeling of accomplishment.
Good, bad or indifferent to have your dad as coach? I think it’s good. Sometimes we bicker with each other. But honestly, he’s been a coach of mine for as long as I can remember.
Do you know the words to the Notre Dame fight song? No.
Have you ever been asked that before? Yes [laugh]. Some people say is that Irish fight song your favorite song now? I’m like, ‘I don’t even know it.’
When did you stop going ‘trick or treating’? Sixth grade. I usually had soccer on Halloween.
Worst Halloween candy to get? Pretzels. I hate when people give you pretzels.
— By Mike White
First Published: October 28, 2016, 4:00 a.m.