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Trib HS Insider Q&A: Steel Valley’s Patrick O’Malley
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By Keith Barnes
Published: Thursday, October 4, 2012, 12:01 a.m.
Updated: Thursday, October 4, 2012
Patrick O'Malley sometimes gets overlooked as the quarterback in a run-first Steel Valley offense. But if the senior proved anything last week, it was that he can be a playmaker just as much as a game manager. He threw a career-high four touchdown passes in the Ironmen's 40-36 win over Quaker Valley.
It was a win Steel Valley needed, especially after consecutive blowout losses to Century Conference leaders South Fayette and Seton-La Salle.
Q: What was it like to finally break that two-game losing streak?
A: It was real tough, especially against two tough conference opponents like that. The whole offseason, we were training hard to come out hard against South Fayette and Seton-La Salle, and it was very disappointing to lose to them like that my senior season, but we're just going to try to come back and make a strong run for the playoffs.
Q: How important was it for you to have a breakout game last week?
A: It felt real good, actually. Those four touchdown passes, that was the first time I had a game like that as a starter and I felt good. I felt like I had all my teammates behind me all the time, and it felt good after a hard-fought game like that.
Q: Do you almost feel like the forgotten man sometimes considering you are a run-first team?
A: It can be a little frustrating at times, but as a senior quarterback, I just try to do whatever it takes to win. If we have to run the ball every single play and we come out with a victory, I'm fine with that at the end of the day.
Q: Are any colleges looking at you?
A: I've been to Akron once or twice and, mainly, I'm just getting questionaires right now. Hopefully, after the season I'll be able to get some more interest.
Q: How important is it for you to make a playoff run?
A: Steel Valley hasn't really had a team in the last few years make it past the first round, and the last time was (2007) and myself and my teammates want to be the team that turns it around and hopefully goes to Heinz Field.
Q: What do you like to do when you're not playing football?
A: Hang out with my girlfriend and relax and play video games.
Q: Where do you see yourself five years from now?
A: Hopefully at a good university studying law and playing football.
Q: Do you have any pregame rituals?
A: I always try to say a couple prayers, and I always try to put the eye-black on. It's like a good luck charm.
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