2021 CTA WPIAL Football 6A Championship Player of the Game: Alex Tecza (Mt. Lebanon)
This past Saturday, Mt. Lebanon's Alex Tecza smiles during the WPIAL 6A Football Championship game.
SOURCE: Prospect Media
STUD ALERT: This past Saturday, Mt. Lebanon defeated Central Catholic 47-7 at Norwin High School in the WPIAL 6A Football Championship game. In the game, Blue Devils senior running back Alex Tecza rushed for 189 yards on 17 carries and scored four touchdowns. He scored on runs of 2, 59 and 25 yards and also caught a 23-yard touchdown pass. Prior to the contest, the Blue Devils had not won a WPIAL Championship in football since 2000.Tecza has Division I football offers from the University of Delaware, Colgate, Dartmouth, Holy Cross, Fordham, Duquesne, Robert Morris, Davidson, Navy, Army, Columbia and University of Pennsylvania.
Questions & Answers:
How does it feel to finally be a WPIAL champion? And, what did your team do well to beat Central Catholic in a meaningful game?
Alex Tecza: It feels amazing, it was truly a special moment. I’d say our special teams won us that game. There were no flaws, we kicked the ball well, and stole a few possessions as well. Although, both offensive and defense played amazing the whole game also.
Your team will face McDowell in the quarterfinal round of the PIAA 6A Football Playoffs. What do you think your team has to do beat McDowell?
AT: We just need to play our game. This is the point of the season where we need to come together to win games. We don’t need to do anything special, we just need to make sure we are locked down on our cues.
Moving forward, what would a PIAA championship mean to you and the whole team?
AT: It would mean everything. We have worked so hard this season, and a WPIAL championship is great, but a PIAA championship is better.
Bob Palko has been a legendary WPIAL football coach having success at West Allegheny, and he is continuing to succeed at Mt, Lebanon. As a player, what's it like having him as a coach?
AT: It’s amazing to see not only him, but the rest of the staff getting together making game plans and being so passionate about the sport. He [Palko] absolutely changed the culture as soon as he stepped foot on campus.
Football is a team game, but a lot of people in the media talk about the trio on your team involving you, Eli Heidenreich and Joey Daniels. What is it like having both of them as teammates and friends?
AT: Eli and Joey are some of the best dudes I have ever met. We have played football together since elementary school and to have a friendship like we do is truly special. I would do anything for those guys and I know they would do the same for me.
A lot of people definitely ask you this question, but I have to as well. Is there a certain time period when you will commit to a school or will it happen more spontaneously?
AT: I think it’s important to take my time, being that it’s a huge decision. There are a few schools that are showing interest that I really like, so I think I’m going to wait and see what happens on that standpoint. Though, I would like to commit sooner rather than later.
How are you spending your Thanksgiving holiday?
AT: Luckily, we get to practice on Thanksgiving. So, we are staying home this year and inviting some family out for the occasion.
What is your favorite Thanksgiving food?
AT: Definitely Stuffing
Tell me a song that can turn you up before a football game.
AT: Rise and Shine by J. Cole
What is something that people would be surprised to know about you?
AT: I am Polish.
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