Name: Derek Southern
School: Moshannon Valley
Age: 17
Grade: Junior
Sport: Football
Athlete of the week achievement: Southern carried the ball 37 times and accumulated 281 yards and five touchdowns in the Black Knights', 44-33, win over Tussey Mountain Friday. He also had an interception and scored seven other points on PATs.
Season update: Moshannon Valley is 2-3 on the season.
Coach Ernie Fetzer's quote: "He's been working really hard all year. He is a natural born leader and leads by example. He is a motivator and very self-motivated. Being around Derek, makes coaching fun. He is very humble."
Favorite teacher: Mr. Webb
Favorite subject: History
Favorite movie: "Full Metal Jacket"
Favorite food: French fries
Favorite song: "My Time to Party" by Jason Aldean
Outside interests: Hunting, fishing and hanging out with friends
Favorite professional team: Pittsburgh Steelers
Favorite college team: Penn State
Pro athlete most admired: Darren Sproles
Best athlete I ever played with: Moshannon Valley's Jason and Nick Gmerek
Best athlete I ever competed against: Glendale's Tyler Jenny
Most influential person on my athletic career: My dad, Bob
Proudest athletic achievement: Scoring seven touchdowns in a junior high football game
How I got my start in football: Played since elementary school
Future goal: Go to Pittsburgh or West Virginia and study orthopedic surgery
