2021 CTA WPIAL Football 4A Championship Player of the Game: Donovan Walker (Aliquippa)
After coming out of the locker room, Aliquippa football player Donovan Walker prepares to warm up before the start of the second half of the 2021 WPIAL 4A Football Title Game.
STUD ALERT: This past Saturday, Aliquippa defeated Belle Vernon 28-13 in the WPIAL 4A Football Title Game. For Quips head coach Mike Warfield, this is the second time in four years that he has captured a WPIAL title. And for the whole Aliquippa football team, this year was the 14th consecutive year that they have reached a WPIAL title game. Junior Donovan Walker recorded two receptions for 43 yards, one being a 38-yard touchdown reception before halftime. He even recorded two interceptions, a forced fumble, four tackles, and broke up four passes as his presence on defense was too much for Belle Vernon to handle. You would have to watch the film to see what a force he was on defense.
Questions & Answers
How does it feel to finally be a WPIAL champion? And, what did your team do well to beat Belle Vernon in a meaningful game?
Donovan Walker: It feels real good, like real good. Involving beating Belle Vernon, it was the preparation all week, you got to win through the week from Monday through Friday, then on Saturday, you ball out.
When you caught that Hail Mary touchdown catch before halftime, did you feel that gave your team a lot of momentum going into the second half?
DW: Yes a lot of momentum! That play put us up three scores in the championship game, and it felt good!
Throughout the whole year, Belle Vernon football players Devin Whitlock and Quinton Martin were tearing defenses a part with their running attack. What did your defense do to stop that?
DW: We prepared real good, watched a lot of film and showed up big time.
Now, how did you celebrate after your WPIAL title win?
DW: I just had fun, nothing to crazy because we are not done yet! We celebrated over the weekend and then pumped the brakes because we got to still finish.
Your team faces Jersey Shore on Friday in the Semifinals of the PIAA 4A Football Playoffs. What do you think our team has to do to win that game?
DW: Same thing we do any other week: Practice, prepare well and deliver.
With your team continuing to make a run for a state title. What do you think a state title would mean to you and your whole team?
DW: It would mean a lot! We lost two years in a row and to finally be able to compete for the state title, it would mean a lot.
Your brother Larry (University of Albany football player) was at Heinz Field on Saturday as well, and you celebrated with him right after. He probably had flashbacks from 2018 when his Quips was at Heinz Field and defeated Derry in the WPIAL 3A title game. What type of impact has he had on you as a player?
DW: A big impact! He been pushing me since I was little and it’s all paying off. He does anything for me and is always there for me.
How has the recruiting process been like for you?
DW: I have been talking to schools such as Kentucky, Virginia Tech, Pitt and Penn State.
What is one of your favorite classes that you are taking this year?
DW: Geometry is probably the favorite because I like math.
What is something that people would be surprised to know about you?
DW: I’m the youngest in my class at my school.
Brentaro Yamane: bkyamane@gmail.com and Twitter/Instagram @BYHilton13