Larger text
Smaller text
Trib HS Insider Q&A: South Allegheny’s Keaton McClelland
• Ambridge, North Allegheny defend WPIAL volleyball championships
• Seton-La Salle, Mt. Lebanon win WPIAL boys lacrosse titles
• After blowing big lead, Shaler girls rally to win lacrosse title
• Unlikely hero leads Greensburg Salem softball in postseason
By Keith Barnes
Published: Wednesday, October 3, 2012, 9:30 p.m.
Updated: Wednesday, October 3, 2012
Keaton McClelland, like most of his teammates, has been through some dark days at South Allegheny. It's what happens when you play for a school that hasn't qualified for the playoffs since 1986.
But like all of the other Gladiators, the senior running back/linebacker who is currently getting looks from several FCS colleges, including Davidson, West Liberty and Monmouth, is beginning to see light at the end of the tunnel, thanks to a rare three-game winning streak and being in the thick of the postseason chase in the Century Conference.
Q: After winning just three games the last three seasons, what has it been like being around this team?
A: The first game (a 35-0 loss to Seton-La Salle) wasn't that great, but the atmosphere around this winning streak has just been awesome. Everyone wants to play and wants to win, and it's like a whole other team.
Q: How hard was it for you going through the last three years and winning only three games?
A: There's not much that I could have done, and I couldn't stand it. So I wanted to come out this year and do everything I could to help us win.
Q: What's been the biggest difference this year as compared to previous years?
A: I think it's just the attitude. We've been playing with each other for a long time, we have great chemistry and we are like a family.
Q: How hard was it to stand on the sideline and watch last week's game against South Park while you were nursing a shoulder injury?
A: It killed me because I wanted to go out there and help my family, and there wasn't much I could do except stand there and yell.
Q: Did you have a sore throat Saturday morning?
A: I woke up the next morning, and I needed cough lozenges.
Q: What would it be like to make the playoffs?
A: That would be great. I've never been in a playoff game and, to be honest, I don't know how to explain it. It would just be so good.
Q: How aware is the team that the school hasn't made the playoffs in 26 years?
A: I'm aware of it, but this team right now is just solid and we're getting better. This year, I think, is our year.
Q: What do you do when you're not playing football?
A: During the week, I don't have much time with football practice and school, but on the weekends I relax and hang out with my friends. And I go down to the youth games and try to help them out and try to get them better so they can be the future of SA.
Most Popular Stories
- Steelers hope new blocking scheme kick-starts running game
- 3 arrested in break-in at Allegheny Ludlum plant
- Senators' Alfredsson clarifies comments made after Game 4
- NHL commissioner Bettman talks Crosby, Olympics, outdoor games
- Steelers notebook: Gilbert hopes to stay on left side of O-line
- Rotary club celebrates diamond anniversary
- Clairton board OKs dek hockey concept
- Penguins insider: Golden opportunity arrives with Game 5
- NK-Arnold OKs proposed tax hike
- Acting Emerson principal named to permanent post
- Pools get ready for summer
You must be signed in to add comments
To comment, click the Sign in or sign up at the very top of this page.
Subscribe today! Click here for our subscription offers.
