The season's finest local players, as chosen by The Herald's sports staff

(Note: These are longer bios than what appeared in the print edition)

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» By the numbers: 5-10, 190 Sr. FB-ILB.

» At a glance: As the lone returning starter from a 9-2 unit that advanced to the 1999 District 10 title tilt, he served as a leader for a surprising squad that won Class AAA county and district championships. He was devastating blocking back for Whiting and Jonathan Hall in the great Greyhounds' ground game, but was more noted for his stingy side. Through the first 13 games -- 12 of which were Wilmington wins -- the 'Hounds Hammer defensive unit yielded an average of only 7.2 points (94) and 154 yards/game (2,002) before being ousted in the state semifinals by West Allegheny.

» 2000 honors: Chosen as the All-Mercer County Athletic Conference first-team (Big School) fullback as well as an inside linebacker.

Terrance Phillips
Sharon

» By the numbers: 6-1, 185 Sr. WR-DE.

» At a glance: Was quarterback Mike Schneider's go-to receiver, catching 41 passes for 665 yards (16.2 yards/catch). Also part of a Tigers defense that pitched seven shutouts and allowed only 105 points in 14 games (7.5 ppg.).

» 2000 honors: Selected to The Associated Press' first-team all-state offense (Small School), as well as a 2-way, first-team All-Mercer County Athletic Conference pick. A returning Heralded 22 choice. Orally bound to Penn State University.

Steve Pompili
Hubbard

» By the numbers: 6-3, 245 Sr. OG-DL.

» At a glance: Was credited with an 87 percent blocking efficiency rating by Hubbard's coaching staff, as the Eagles averaged 273.5 yards and 19.8 points per game in setting a school standard by advancing to the third round of the playoffs. His run-blocking enabled the Eagles to amass 2,612 yards rushing, and coach Jeff Bayuk refers to him as a "finisher,'' pointing out an even dozen "pancakes'' he recorded in one contest.

» 2000 honors: Became the second player in Hubbard High history (following Frank Harris) to twice receive All-Ohio recognition, earning second-team status this season and honorable-mention laurels last year. Also an All-TAC-8, All-County and All-NEO choice. Being courted by several Mid-American Conference schools.

» By the numbers: 6-2, 185 Jr. QB-DB.

» At a glance: Completed 33 of 79 passes for 501 yards and six scores in guiding Hickory to a 6-4 ledger, its best in head coach Phil Annarella's 3-year tenure and in several recent seasons in Hornet annals. He also ran for 13 scores, highlighted by 25- and 19-yard jaunts against Slippery Rock; 36-, 3- and 43-yard runs against Reynolds, a 52-yarder against Grove City, and 47-, 1- and 15-yard bursts in a 47-20 season-ending rout of Quad-A Meadville that secured the winning campaign. He gained 130 yards on 15 carries and passed for 86 yards in a memorable outing against Slippery Rock, then came back the next week to rush for 101 yards and throw for 106 in a rout of Reynolds, followed by a 110-yard rushing effort in a victory over Grove City.

» 2000 honors: Selected as a first-team All-Mercer County Athletic Conference (Big School) defensive back and punter, as well as second-team quarterback.

» By the numbers: 5-11, 165 Sr. WR-DB.

» At a glance: Almost became -- according to available Herald records -- the second 1,000-yard receiver in Greenville's great gridiron annals as he hauled in 47 passes for 959 yards (20.4 yards/reception), highlighted by what is believed to be a school single-game standard 8-catch, 242-yard, 4-TD performance at Oil City, which included scores of 71, 9, 37 and 38 yards. Scored 12 touchdowns, including punt returns of 78, 47 and 79 yards, and added a pair of 2-point conversions and kicked one PAT.

» 2000 honors: A two-way first-team All-Northwest Conference choice, who has drawn the attention of Penn State University.

» By the numbers: 5-10, 155 Jr. TB-DB.

» At a glance: Rushed for 1,619 yards on 173 attempts (9.6 yards/carry, 115.3 yards/game) and tallied 28 TDs and 168 total points, Registered regular-season scoring sprints of 35, 31, 23, 21, 23, 33, 31, 21 and 65 yards, highlighted by a 7-carry, 173-yard, 4-TD outburst against Hickory, which included 42-, 40- and 70-yard TDs. Excelled in the postseason, including an 11-carry, 178-yard, 4-TD romp in the District 10 semifinals agianst Titusville, then added a 91-yard scoring sprint on the game's first play from scrimmage in the D-10 title tilt against Greenville. In PIAA playoffs, posted a 19-carry, 149-yard performance against Perry Traditional Academy, as well as a 122-yard effort against state runner-up West Allegheny. Led the area with eight interceptions.

» 2000 honors: Named a first-team All-Mercer County Athletic Conference (Big School) defensive back and second-team All-MCAC running back.

» By the numbers: 6-2, 190 Sr. QB-DB.

» At a glance: Became the area's top passer by season's end, ending his senior campaign with 1,427 yards passing through 10 games, 16 touchdown passes and merely four interceptions. His 142.7 yards-per-game mark was by far the best among local passers. Completed 74 of 126 pass attempts. Connected with WR Gio Vendemia for 12 TD striked in 2000. Threw at least one TD pass in every game except the Trojans' 26-17 win over Harbor Creek in the District 10-AAA semifinals. Passed for better than 100 yards seven times; better than 150 five times; better than 200 twice, including a season-high 266 against Oil City.

» 2000 honors: Named a first-team All-Northwest Conference quarterback and a second-team defensive back.