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USA Today recognizes Central’s Hoenstine

News outlet also honors Frederick, Coughenour

The honors continue to roll in for Central’s Alex Hoenstine and Bishop Guilfoyle’s Luke Frederick.

Hoenstine, the Pennsylvania Sports Writers Class 3A player of the year and a four-position Mountain League all-star, has been named to the USA Today’s all-state first team as a defensive back. Meanwhile, Frederick, a two-time all-state pick by the state sports writers, was chosen for the second team as a defensive lineman.

Both players are seniors.

In addition, Bedford senior linebacker Tanner Coughenour was placed on the second team. USA Today’s team includes players from across all six enrollment classifications.

A school record-setter for season and career rushing yardage who scored 49 touchdowns in leading Central’s run to a second consecutive PIAA semifinal appearance, Hoenstine also was a standout as a safety for the Scarlet Dragons. He was among the Altoona Mirror coverage area’s leaders in interceptions with six, finished second on the team with 81 tackles — 17 of which came in Central’s season-ending 14-7 state semifinal loss to eventual state champion Beaver Falls — and broke up a team-best 10 passes.

In addition, he was a standout punter, averaging 37.4 yards per kick.

Frederick, a Delaware recruit, was a big reason Bishop Guilfoyle won its third straight PIAA Class 1A title. Playing end, he was first on the Marauders in sacks (20), hurries (30), solo tackles (56) and tackles for loss (39). He also was second on his team with 134 total tackles, batted down nine passes and caused four fumbles.

Coughenour had 81 tackles more than anyone else on the District 6 Class 3A semifinalist Bisons, finishing with 150 total and 44 solos. He also had three sacks and an interception.

All three players were Mirror first-team all-area stars in 2015 — the Mirror’s 2016 all-star team is scheduled to run either Jan. 7 or 14.

Three other players of regional interest made the USA Today team. Ligonier Valley’s Collin Smith was a first-team defensive back, while Johnstown’s Exree Loe and Clearfield’s Ryan Lezzer were second-team selections in the secondary.

Five Penn State recruits dotted the squad. Clairton running back Lamont Wade, Pittsburgh Central Catholic offensive lineman C.J. Thorpe, Cardinal O’Hara offensive lineman Desmond Holmes and Harrisburg defensive end Micah Parsons were on the first team, while Wyoming Valley West offensive lineman Chris Bleich was on the second.

Wade, Thorpe and Holmes are seniors. Parsons and Bleich are juniors.

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