Body Zone Physical Therapy Defensive Player of the Week: Panthers’ Colby Crills
Body Zone Physical Therapy Defensive Player of the Week
With their main offensive weapon missing for the past several weeks the Schuylkill Valley Panthers have had to win with defense.
Colby Crills helped make that happen last week with six tackles, a sack, a hurry, and a pair of interceptions in a 28-12 win over Columbia. He has been named Body Zone Physical Therapy Defensive Player of the Week.
“We can put him in any spot and he knows everything, he knows where everybody’s going, that’s just how smart a football player he is,” said Schuylkill Valley coach Bruce Harbach.
Crills is the Panthers’ best cover corner but also has been used effectively on blitzes. Schuylkill Valley’s defensive coordinator – Colby’s father, Jeremy – has faith in him that he can get to the passer and make big plays when called upon.
Growing up with a father who’s a coach has helped Colby gain a deeper understanding of the game and it shows up on Friday night’s. Harbach, who coached his son at Wilson, appreciates that.
“Colby reminds me so much of my son Brett,” Harbach said. “He’s just a good all-around athlete, knows the game, studies the game, inspires kids. That’s what you ask of a football player.
“He calls our secondary (coverages). He studies the game. His dad is our defensive coordinator so I’m sure he’s always talking football (with him).”
Crills was in the right spot at the right time Friday as the Panthers limited the Crimson Tide to five first downs, 15 rushing yards and 129 total yards.
The defense directly led to half of Schuylkill Valley’s points. Colby Stricker recovered a fumble in the end zone for a touchdown. Crills intercepted a pass at midfield and returned it to the 5 where quarterback Logan Nawrocki ran for a TD and 28-6 lead.
“That was a big play for us,” Harbach said. “(Colby) was tripped up around the 10 or otherwise he would’ve scored.”
Crills also plays wide receiver and returns punts.
He’s a four-year starter on defense and was a first-team all-league pick last season at defensive back. He was also the team’s leading receiver.
Crills is also a top baseball player. He plays catcher and outfield for the Panthers and was an all-division honorable selection as a junior. He batted .362, second-highest on the team, and had an .829 OPS. He did not commit an error in 18 games.
Schuylkill Valley’s offensive production has been down since losing All-State running back Dominic Giuffre to an injury in Week 4. It has allowed just 24 points over the last three games, all wins.
Teammate Luke Spotts was selected Defensive Player of the Week last week.
Players considered for Body Zone Physical Therapy Defensive Player of the Week honors are nominated by their coaches or by members of the MikeDragoSports.com coverage team.
Also nominated this week:
- Jordan Meyer, Daniel Boone
- Cameron Howiszak, Exeter
- Reese Hohl, Gov. Mifflin
- Mason Semmel, Hamburg
- Danny Murphy, Twin Valley
- Edison Case, Wilson
- Caleb Brewer, Wyomissing
Selected earlier this season:
- Week 1: Lucas Myers, Twin Valley
- Week 2: Michael Odeyemi, Reading High
- Week 3: Stewie Janowski, Gov. Mifflin
- Week 4: Ryker Jones, Wyomissing
- Week 5: Ethan Lafferty, Kutztown
- Week 6: Luke Spotts, Schuylkill Valley
Selected last season as Defensive Player of the Week:
- Week 1: Jonathan Martin, Exeter
- Week 2: Nate Capitano, Wilson
- Week 3: Ethan Kryman, Daniel Boone
- Week 4: Nate Pashley, Exeter
- Week 5: Nafis Blythe, Berks Catholic
- Week 6: Nick Weitzel, Wilson
- Week 7: Ryker Jones, Wyomissing
- Week 8: Drew Eisenhower, Wyomissing
- Week 9: Mason Marks, Twin Valley
- Week 10: Lucas Palange, Exeter
- Week 11: Mason Semmel, Hamburg
- Week 12: Ryker Jones, Wyomissing
