Nov 7, 2018 3 min read

Name: Zahmere Robinson

School: Washington

Sport: Football

Class: Junior

Robinson’s week: In an attempt to begin a run at Washington’s second consecutive WPIAL championship, Robinson led the Prexies offense in a 52-20 victory over New Brighton in the first round of the WPIAL Class AA playoffs last Friday at Wash High Stadium.

Robinson, a wide receiver, finished with a whopping 321 yards from scrimmage and scored three total touchdowns. He carried the ball a season-high five times for 144 yards and a 61-yard touchdown. He also had six pass receptions for 177 yards with scores of 82 and 21 yards.

“I just used my speed,” said the fleet-footed Robinson. “I know my linemen will create the gaps and I just have to make the big play.”

His first two scores were timely. The first gave Washington the lead late in the first quarter. Then, his other receiving touchdown came with 37 seconds left in the first half and answered a scoring drive from New Brighton, giving the Prexies a 25-13 halftime lead.

“Zahmere is just a really smooth athlete,” said Washington head coach Mike Bosnic. “He makes a bunch of big plays. We are able to move him all over the field, whether that’s inside or outside as a receiver. He can pretty much play any position. He’s just very versatile, athletic and hard to key on because he can move around.”

Robinson also had an interception on defense.

Just call him Shifty: After evading and juking a linebacker in a game against Sto-Rox during his sophomore season, Robinson was tagged with the nickname “Shifty.” It has stuck ever since for the quick-twitch explosive playmaker.

“It fits. I like it,” Robinson said. “My footwork is the strongest part of my game, whether it is being quicker than somebody or having the ability to get open. I was ready for a big year.”

Robinson has combined with Dan Walker Jr. to become one of the most dynamic receiving corps in the WPIAL. Robinson has 47 catches for 1,094 yards and 13 touchdowns, averaging more than 23 yards per reception.

“Big plays have helped a lot because our defense has been struggling,” Robinson said. “Dan and I have fed off of one another. He makes a big play on defense, then I make a play on offense. (Quarterback Zack Swartz) and I have gotten a lot closer over the years. A lot of people didn’t know me coming up through on my way to high school. Nobody knew of me really until this year. Having the kind of year I am having is rewarding.”

Compiled by staff writer Luke Campbell.