Schoonmaker led Prexies on playoff run
Washington’s Isaiah Schoonmaker is the Observer-Reporter’s 2016 Football Player of the Year.
Washington’s Isaiah Schoonmaker helped lead the Prexies to the WPIAL Class AA semifinals.
The lowest point for Isaiah Schoonmaker came a few years ago after breaking his shoulder in a middle school game. That injury came just one year from the talented football player tearing up his knee, also ending his season.
The frustration led to anger.
No matter how much his mother Cynthia tried to reassure him that these were just bumps along the way, Schoonmaker didn’t believe her.
He does now.
Not only did the days get better but Schoonmaker thrived on the football field, enjoying one of the most effective and multi-faceted efforts on Washington High School’s football team. Schoonmaker was a dual-threat from his backfield and receiver positions, played an outstanding outside linebacker and was a terror on special teams.
Those characteristics made him the Observer-Reporter Player of the Year.
It also makes him a prized recruit in two years as schools from a number of major college divisions, including the Big Ten, have shown interest.
“I never thought I would be getting letters from (these schools),” said Schoonmaker, a 6-2, 200-pound junior who also plays basketball and runs track. “I tore my patella three years ago and … I broke my collar bone in eighth grade. I lost a lot of weight and didn’t eat much. My mom said things will get better but I didn’t want to hear anything from anyone. She was right, as much as I don’t want to admit it. She picked me up. My family and friends told me I had talent but I never believed them until I got that first letter from Michigan State.”
Schoonmaker played his best in some critical situations. Consider:
• He had a 55-yard interception return for an early touchdown during a 61-27 playoff victory over Brentwood.
• He rushed for 136 yards on just nine carries and scored three touchdowns in a 35-13 playoff victory over South Side Beaver.
• He picked off a pass in the end zone to turn the momentum in a 28-6 regular season victory over Chartiers-Houston that help secure a third consecutive conference title.
• He had two receptions, both for touchdowns, in a 63-20 rout of Sto-Rox in Week 5.
“He’s been a three-year starter for us, ever since he walked into the program,” said Washington head coach Mike Bosnic. “He’s been a special player. We knew he would be a special player in junior high. Even as a freshman, he was able to step on the field and play at a high level. We use him everywhere. We try to put the ball in his hands because he’s such a great athlete. There have been a lot of big plays he made for us.”
One of Schoonmaker’s advantages is his hand size. He wears a 3X gloves but has trouble finding them. He settles for 2X most times. Interestingly, his glove size is the same as Odell Beckham, the New York Giants wide receiver and Schoonmaker’s favorite NFL player.
“I can’t get them in stores or online,” he said. “I always ripped the (2X) along the thumb because it’s too tight.”
On defense, Schoonmaker forced opponents to run to the other side. That’s how effective he was. Schoonmaker had four interceptions, 65 tackles, including 40 solo, had 12 tackles for losses, and defended 17 passes.
“When I’m on the football field, nothing else matters,” said Schoonmaker. “It’s like I have tunnel vision. I know where I should and shouldn’t be. I don’t even have to think about it. It’s just natural.”
Schoonmaker has played every position but quarterback coming through the ranks. He says he learned from playing each of those positions.
“It helped me with my hands, helped me with my feet and helped me get my weight up,” he said.
As Schoonmaker developed his game, people began to notice. He just might be the most versatile player in Bosnic’s tenure. Not only are his offensive and defensive statistics impressive, but his special teams play is amazing. He’s blocked two punts and an extra-point attempt. He credits his growth to watching his older teammates.
“DeQuay (Isbell) and Malik (Wells) always pushed me,” he said. “I went to camps with Malik. I always tried to compete with Malik. It was the same way with DeQuay. I always tried to race him in track. Never won. I pushed myself to try to get better off the upperclassmen. They always pushed me, ‘One more, one more.’ DeQuay would be out in front of me in the 400 and he’d be yelling, ‘Come on, Schoon. Come on, Schoon.” It never worked but it made me go harder.”
And that will work will pay off one year from February, when he submits his letter of intent.
“I think he’s a big-time recruit,” Bosnic said. “He’s so long and they way he runs. I think he’ll go big time.”