Observer-Reporter Athlete of the Week
Name: Owen English
School: Avella
Sport: Football
Class: Senior
English’s week: English rushed for three touchdowns and had a 65-yard punt return for another score in a 47-14 win over Mapletown in a Tri-County South Conference game. The senior running back had touchdown runs of 16, 7 and 35 yards and gained 191 yards rushing.
It was Avella’s second consecutive victory over the Maples this season. The two teams played a game that was designated nonconference in Week Zero and Avella won, 14-12.
The Eagles have a 2-7 record, 1-5 in the Tri-County South Conference, and finish the season with a home game against Monessen Friday.
“I thought this would be a fun game for us,” said English. “We’ve been struggling lately. Before the game, I had a good feeling about it.”
English had 21 carries for 160 yards in the first meeting between the two teams. He has 820 for the season and averages 7.5 yards per carry. That total would be higher if not for English being used at quarterback and wide receiver this season.
“Running back is his strongest position,” said Avella head coach Ryan Cecchini. “You just give him the ball and get out of his way. He had a good game against Mapletown last year but we lost. That was when Dylan Rush ran wild. Owen ran for something like 220 yards in that game. So this year, he ran for 191 and we won, which made it better being he’s a senior and this was one of his last games.”
A high note: Halftime does not allow for much rest for English and some of his teammates. They pull double-duty playing in Avella’s marching band. English plays the baritone trumpet.
His interest in music was sparked by his older sister.
“She was in the band,” he said. “So, I wanted to try and I fell in love with it.”
The Eagles’ other teammates in the band are Ty Jaworowski, Cole Davidson and David Rankin. Band practice is Monday and Wednesday following football practice.
“I don’t ever want to lose kids if they want to play,” Cecchini said. “I don’t want to make them pick. If they want to play in the band, I encourage them. It works out fine.
“He has a lot on his plate but he excels at just about everything he does.”
Compiled by Joe Tuscano