Destin Strauser Closes Fine Football Career With Quality Performance In Lezzer Lumber Game (06/24/15)
Recent Clarion Area High School graduate, Destin Strauser competed for the North Squad, in the 31st Annual Lezzer Lumber Classic All-Star football game, on Friday (June 19th), at Clearfield High Schools Bison Sports Complex. The Bobcat standout represented his school and community very well, turning in a fine performance from his linebacker spot.
Destin #5 at linebacker for the North Squad
Strauser had a number of tackles, including one for loss. Among them, was one that is best described as “Classic Destin Strauser.” Strauser who has been known throughout his career as a hitter, put a bone jarring hit on an opposing ball carrier, who was running down the sideline. The hit launched the other player’s helmet about ten feet in the air and about that same distance behind the players standing on the South sideline.
The South, who won the game 21-7, jumped out to a 14-0 lead on two touchdown passes by Tyrone’s Garrett Hunter, the South’s Offensive MVP. The first was a seven yard hookup with Altoona running back Eli Mencer, at 7:07 of the first quarter. The second one was a 68 yard strike to Central’s Mike Mock, just over a minute later, at the 6:00 mark.
Destin and family, grandparents and aunts and uncle in second row, mom and dad in back row
The North’s touchdown came at 11:49 of the second quarter, as Clearfield’s Erik Sellers caught an eleven yard scoring pass from State College’s John Weakland, the North Offensive MVP. The South tacked on one last score, on a 20 yard run by Mason Parks of Southern Huntingdon. The PAT was good, as were all the PATs on the night, setting the final at South 21 – North 7.
The South now leads the series 16-15.
DuBois’ defensive lineman Brad Peterson won the North’s Defensive MVP Award. The South Defensive MVP was Mount Union’s B. J. Loner, who had a great game at defensive back, breaking up a number of passes, several which could easily have gone for touchdowns, if he hadn’t.
(Photo by Matt Buchanan) 2015 Lezzer Champs, South Squad
Curwensville’s Andy Evanko and Penns Valley’s Martin Tobias were inducted into the Central Pennsylvania Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame during halftime.
2015 CPFCA Hall of Fame inductee Andy Evanko with fellow Hall of Famer, Larry Wiser
Clearfield’s Tim Janocko was named the CPFCA North Coach of the Year. South Couch of the Year was Justin Wheeler of Bishop Guilfoyle.
CAT QUOTES
I caught up with Destin after the game. He said, “One last time! It was definitely nice. Not everyone gets the chance. Ian (Corbett who was also selected, but didn’t play) should have been out here helping me representing Clarion, because I didn’t do a good job, in my opinion. Could have done a little bit better, maybe got a little more in shape for once.” You did just fine, Destin.
Bobcats All (L-R) Matt Wagner, Ryan Wiser, Coach Larry Wiser, Michael McCloskey, Destin Strauser, Coach Nate McClaine, Colton Rapp, Josh Kriebel
Strauser went on to say, “It was a real good time. I’d say everyone should do it, if they get the chance. Get to see different people and have a good time all week, with camp, with the food, with double days with everyone. It was a fun time overall.”
Strauser showed his appreciation to some others, saying, “Thanks to my family and friends coming out to support like they always do. It’s been a good year and it’s time to move on.”
Describing his week with the team, Strauser said, “We bonded quite a bit. Clearfield boys are real fun to goof around with. Kovalick and the Means kid from Clearfield are definitely fun to be around. (DuBois quarterback) Gabe French, being a ‘cute kid,’ (tongue in cheek) getting interviewed by television all week long. It was just a fun experience.
Destin flanked by DuBois’ Peterson twins, Joe #65 and Brad #51 (North Defensive MVP)
And the Peterson brothers, from DuBois, are two of the nicest guys you will ever meet actually. They come off as scariest guys. They’ll talk and want to be your friends, and just sit down and talk about football and anything. Real nice kids.
“Another great thing was whenever we went out to Bald Eagle High School, and they turned the speakers up and blasted it and we practiced our offenses and defenses and stretches. Even though the news was there videotaping us for the Johnstown news, we still got to listen to music, we still got to play games. We ate really well; they catered everyday.”
(Thanks to Matt Buchanan for spotting for this article. Congratulations Destin, on an outstanding finish to your career!!!!)