Completely caught up with breaking records this season, it is no surprise that senior running back of Southmoreland, Jake Pisula, managed to make the All-Section team for three consecutive years.
Pisula “didn’t expect” to receive this honor at the beginning of the season, but after he started rushing, this recognition became a given.
The first game back (Burgettstown) after a hamstring injury, Pisula broke a personal rushing record in one game of 305 yards.
“Individually, my goal was to become the all-time lead rusher at Southmoreland. That I achieved,” said Pisula humbly. “But my main goal was to help my team (the Scotties) get to the playoffs.”
Pisula managed to become the all-time lead rusher at Southmoreland, but he was more than “disappointed” when the Scotties just couldn’t clutch a playoff spot after their loss against Waynesburg.
“It was my senior year, senior night, and the last time I would ever play on our home field, and we didn’t make playoffs,” Pisula said joylessly. “I was heartbroken.”
Senior Chas King and junior Jake Beistel also made the All-Section team this year, and they agreed that they were “crushed” after the loss to Waynesburg.
“It was completely heartbreaking when all of the hard work we put in as a team was taken away from us almost instantly,” said King.
“I was sick to my stomach,” added Beistel.
Beistel, King, and Pisula agreed that they would trade their spot on the All-Section team “in a heartbeat” if it meant that the Scotties could go to the playoffs.
Pisula said, “I care more about the team than individual recognition.”
“It’s about the team, not me,” said King submissively. “I’d rather see my team succeed than just myself.”
Beistel agreed, “Definitely. It is all about the team.”
This unselfish attitude that all of these players obtain is only part of the reason they believe they were honored to make the All- Section team.
“No matter what the score was, I worked hard and never gave up on the play,” said Pisula. “Even if I were injured, I wouldn’t complain. I would just play through it.”
King said, “For me I believe my stats and especially my attitude toward the game is what led me to this success.”
Beistel explained how the other coaches vote for players who perform and play the best, however he added that a player’s worth ethic is what truly shines when picking the all-section team.
“In order to be nominated you have to prove yourself with an attitude to win and a great work ethic to back it up,” explained Beistel. “I believe all of us, even those who got honorable mention have that.”