2021 PIAA Football Semifinals Player of the Week: Eli Heidenreich (Mt. Lebanon)

Mt. Lebanon wide receiver Eli Heidenreich runs with the football during the Blue Devils PIAA 6A Football Semifinals matchup against State College.

SOURCE: BackyardPASports

STUD ALERT: This past Saturday, Mt. Lebanon's Eli Heidenreich balled out in the PIAA 6A Football Semifinals against State College as the Blue Devils won 49-28. In the game, Eli caught eight passes for 264 yards and five touchdowns to go along with 63 rushing yards on six carries.

Questions & Answers

Individually, you seemed to have a really dominant performance against State College. Take me through your team's game plan of what you had to do to win this game.

Eli Heidenreich: State College had a very strong defensive front, but their secondary wasn’t as skillful. We as a team recognized this, so we threw the ball more often than other games. This allowed for me to have more opportunities of getting the ball.

Your team is one win away from being PIAA 6A Football Champions as you will all play St. Joseph's Preparatory School at Hershey Stadium on Saturday, What would a PIAA title mean to you and your whole team?

EH: It would mean so much to me, this team, and this entire community here at Mt. Lebanon. Everyone is so excited for us over here, so being able to deliver a state championship would be truly special.

Without giving away any secrets, what do you think your team has to do to beat St. Joseph's on Saturday?

EH: I think we have to limit our mistakes and not turn the ball over. That is the most important thing for us to win this game. St. Joes Prep is a very talented team, so we need to avoid making any errors if we want to win.

Football is a team game, but a lot of people in the media talk about the trio on your team involving you, Alex Tecza and Joey Daniels. What is it like having both of them as teammates and friends?

EH: It’s super fun. Both Joey and Alex are some of my closest friends. I’ve had a great time spending this season with them. Not only are they enjoyable to be around, but I love watching them play football as well.

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?

EH: It’s amazing. He’s done so much for this program in the three years that he’s been here. He cares so much about me, my teammates, and this entire coaching staff. He not only has made me a better football player, but a better man as well.

You are a part of the "Out of This Wrld" group that was started by North Hills football player Robert Dickerson. What is "Out of This Wrld" and what does it take to be a part of the family?

EH: "OTW" is a group of some of the top football players in the Pittsburgh area. All of the members in the group have an outstanding work ethic and football skill set. The entire purpose of the group is to develop and promote each other as football players. We are always working out together and pushing each other to be the best player that we can become.

As the season has progressed, what do you think you have gotten better at as a football player?

EH: I think I have become a smarter football player. Over the course of the season, I have learned how to watch film and study my opponent more effectively. This has helped me tremendously.

You still have one more high school football game to play. But how excited are you to begin your collegiate football career at Navy?

EH: I am extremely excited. I could not be more happy to be playing at Navy.

With basketball season around the corner, in your opinion, who do you think is the best boys and girls basketball player in the WPIAL?

EH: For boys Devin Carney [Butler] and for girls either Ashleigh Connor [Mt. Lebanon] or Aislin Malcolm [Chartiers Valley].

What is something that people would be surprised to know about you?

EH: I built my own computer.

Brentaro Yamane: bkyamane@gmail.com and Twitter/Instagram @BYHilton13