Andrew Ford has been on campus at Virginia Tech University for nearly a month, and still the former Cedar Cliff quarterback continues to rack scholastic awards.
Already tabbed Pennsylvania's Gatorade Player of the Year in December, Ford added the prestigious title of Mr. PA Football in the Big School classification on Saturday in Camp Hill.
Imhotep Charter senior athlete DeAndre Scott, part of Arizona State's 2014 recruiting class, was tabbed Mr. PA Football in the Small School (Class AA/A) division.
“Every guy deserved to win so it was an honor to be here. They didn't tip anything because they had the name covered up on the trophy,” said Ford, one of six finalists.
“It is surprising because Pennsylvania is such a great state when it comes to football, so just to be nominated is really awesome for me. To be able to have my name on the list of players that won previously is something that really humbles me.”
More than 90,000 votes were collected from coaches, players, sports writers and football fans across the Commonwealth, more than 32,000 attached to a talented list of 11 finalists who were honored Saturday by award sponsor SportsRecruiters.com.
Ford emerged as one of the midstate's most dynamic players as a junior, completing 225 of 339 pass attempts for nearly 3,000 yards and 35 touchdowns.
Earning an invitation to the Elite 11 quarterback camp and Nike's The Opening, Ford rallied the Colts to a 9-2 record last season. He added 35 touchdown passes and 2,776 passing yards to his career totals.
Finalists for the Big School award included Lebanon senior athlete Mark Pyles, the Maxwell Club's pick for state player of the year recently, Bishop McDevitt junior running back Andre Robinson, Neshaminy senior running back D'andre Pollard, Clearfield senior linebacker Christian Lezzer and Trinity senior linebacker Gaage Marry.
Scott, meanwhile, emerged from a group that included senior RB Brandon Yescavage of Old Forge and junior quarterbacks Michael Pietropola of Wellsboro, Brett Brumbaugh of South Fayette and North Catholic's P.J. Fulmore. Brumbaugh and Fulmore led their clubs to PIAA titles in Hershey.
“It's exciting. I didn't think I was going to win because, when I told people to vote for me, it looked like they really didn't want to,” said Scott, who finally landed in Camp Hill about 30 minutes after the banquet concluded. A flat tire on the PA Turnpike was to blame.
“But I still had support from all around Philly. To win something like this is a big one for me.”
Ford and Scott were not the only winners on the night as legendary coach George Curry was presented with a lifetime achievement award from former Bishop McDevitt and Cumberland Valley coach Tim Rimpfel.
Epler on Twitter: @threejacker