Four area standouts named all-state

By Jose Negron

jnegron@yourmvi.com

Four local football players were among the WPIAL standouts named all-state Tuesday afternoon. 

Clairton’s Dontae Sanders and Da’Metrius Weatherspoon were joined by California’s Jaeden Zuzak as honorees in Class A. Elizabeth Forward’s Chase Whatton was the lone selection in Class 3A.  

Sanders, a 6-2, 235-pound senior running back, was one of the WPIAL’s top rushers in addition to being a significant contributor on the defensive side of the ball. 

Sanders was an All-Eastern Conference selection on offense and defense, and was named offensive and defensive player of the year. 

Out of the running back spot, Sanders averaged nearly 16 yards per carry and finished his senior campaign with 1,830 yards and 29 touchdowns. His season was highlighted by a 428-yard, six-touchdown performance against Our Lady of the Sacred Heart in the WPIAL Class A quarterfinals Oct. 30. 

“It means everything to me because I worked super hard for it,” Sanders said last week regarding his conference laurels. “It started in the offseason and I’ve always told myself, I have to be the best on both offense and defense.” 

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