By Joe Sager

New Castle News

 

New positions, no problem for Spencer McConahy.

The Mohawk High senior adapted well to shifting spots on offense and defense. He responded in a big way in the Warriors’ 49-13 Midwestern Athletic Conference win over Freedom last week. He rushed for 148 yards and two touchdowns in the victory. He added five catches for 54 yards and had an interception on defense as well.

The performance earned him Lawrence County Athlete of the Week honors, an award sponsored by Washington Centre Physical Therapy and selected by the New Castle News sports staff.

Injuries created voids at safety and running back for Mohawk (1-1 MAC, 1-1 overall). McConahy had no problems stepping into those spots and performing at a high level.

“I just tried to contribute as much as I could on both sides of the ball,” he said.

An all-MAC wide receiver last year, McConahy moved into the backfield on offense.

“Injuries had a lot to do with moving him. We lost Vince Retort for the season with a shoulder injury and he was our next best running back at that position,” Mohawk coach Joe Lamenza said. “Spencer is a versatile player. There isn’t anything he couldn’t do for us. We weren’t surprised. He had a great game for us.”

The Warriors rushed for 370 yards as a team and McConahy helped lead the way. He did his damage early and scored the team’s second and third touchdowns.

“On offense, I give a lot of the credit to my linemen,” he said. “They worked hard all game to open up the holes and seams for me to run through.”

While McConahy moved behind the quarterback instead of out wide, Mohawk took advantage of his hands as he hauled in five catches.  

“It’s nice; it’s a luxury to have a guy like that coming out of the backfield. He has done a lot of things for us over the last few years. He can play running back; he can play wide receiver,” Lamenza said. “Last year, he was an all-conference wide receiver. He has been a three-year starter at cornerback. He is a versatile player and that allows us to do different things.”

On defense, McConahy moved from corner to safety. In the second quarter, he responded with an interception and a 44-yard return to the Freedom 4. While he was unable to reach paydirt for the pick-6, McConahy ran the ball in for a touchdown on Mohawk’s next play.

“I just freed up on the play. My guy went in motion and I just made a play on the ball. We scored right on the next play, so that was nice,” he said.

McConahy likes to be involved on both sides of the ball, but he does have a favorite spot.

“I like catching the ball and running the ball,” he said. “I like defense more. I like hitting people.”

He was happy to see the Warriors bounce back from their opening-week loss to Aliquippa. Many Mohawk players made big contributions in the victory. Cayne Yakubic rushed for 107 yards and a TD in the third quarter and quarterback Ricky Malutic added three rushing touchdowns.

“It was nice to come out and get the first win of the season. We did well. It was a good team effort,” McConahy said. “We’re feeling good. We want to finish the season strong and hopefully make it to the playoffs.”

 

 *****

 

THE SPENCER McCONAHY FILE

POSITION: RB/S

TEAM: Mohawk

GRADE: 12

PARENTS: Toby and Dana McConahy

KNOWN FOR: He rushed for 148 yards and two touchdowns in a 49-13 win over Freedom. He added five catches for 54 yards and intercepted a pass on defense.

FAVORITE PRO PLAYER AND WHY: Tyrann Mathieu (Arizona Cardinals). “He’s a playmaker and he’s always flying to the ball on defense.”

FAVORITE PRO TEAM AND WHY: Pittsburgh Steelers. “They are the hometown team.”

FUTURE PLANS:  “I plan to go to college and hopefully play football. I’d like to major in architecture.”