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Ten Blue Devil football players recently made one of three honorary academic all-star teams organized by the online football site WesternPAFootball.net.

“I think it is great for our kids to be recognized for the hard work they do in the classroom.  We always preach to the kids that they are a student before they are an athlete and they need to take care of the things in the classroom,” said B-A assistant coach Mr. Nick Lovrich.  “It is nice to see them rewarded for their hard work in the classroom.  We are just as proud of them for achieving this recognition as we would be for someone be all state or all conference on the field.”

The Gold team was the highest level of award, requiring the student athletes to finish the season with at least a 4.0 GPA. Eight Blue Devils made the Gold team which include: Chris Wertman, Ian McFarland, Jack Showalter, Eric Morder, Caden Nagle, Troy Walker, TJ Wyland, and Trentin Whaley.

“It feels great to be recognized for my academics,” said Showalter, a senior who played on the offensive and defensive lines, and is heading to Lock Haven. “Sports are great, but the classroom is where your future is being developed, and that’s what’s important.”

Morder, a standout linebacker and running back, liked being acknowledged for his work.

“It feels good to be recognized for my hard work in the classroom,” said Morder, who like Showalter is planning to attend LHU.

Junior Troy Walker said the recognition reflects the overall philosophy of the football program at B-A.

“It’s really good for us because Coach (John) Hayes doesn’t just emphasize football, but what you do in school, too. So it’s pretty cool that all of us made,” said Walker.

Jordan Moore was the only player that was named to the Silver team, which was awarded to players who finished the season with a GPA between 3.5 and 3.9.

Shawn Wolfe was the sole player named to the Bronze team which required the athletes to round out the season with a GPA falling in between a 3.0 and a 3.49.

This is the final cap to another very successful Blue Devil football season. B-A finished the regular season 10-0, took home the Backyard Brawl trophy, and swept the ICC on its way to another conference championship.