The 15th annual Mr. PA Football awards were handed-out over the weekend. The high school football awards, from an original list of 600 high school football players, were determined by votes by fans, media members and a coaches panel.
The 2024 Big School (4A-6A) winner is Ty Salazer, who will play college football at Delaware. A two-way starter, he set the single-season state receiving record with 79 catches for 1,597 yards and 21 touchdowns. He broke his own single-season record of 66 catches in 2023.
Salazar finished his career as the state’s all-time leader in receptions with 173 catches for 3,278 yards and 36 touchdowns.
“I want to thank my parents who are here today and my coaches,” said Salazer at the Saturday night award ceremony. “So many people helped me get where I am. I am extremely grateful right now.”
The finalists for the Big School award were Joey O’Brien of La Salle College HS, Messiah Mickens of Harrisburg, Stone Saunders of Bishop McDevitt, Tiqwai Hayes of Aliquippa and Xxavier Thomas of Pittsburgh Central Catholic.
Northwestern Lehigh’s Eli Zimmerman, who helped lead his team to a perfect 16-0 record and a 3A state title, is the Small School (1A-3A) winner. He rushed for 2,665 yards and 27 touchdowns and caught 28 passes for 277 yards and four touchdowns. On defense, he had 56 total tackles and six interceptions. Zimmerman, who will play at Bloomsburg University, was dynamic on special teams as well, returning six punts for touchdowns.
Congratulations to @TySalazer who was named the Big School Mr. PA Football @statehighfball @scoachlintal @scasdathletics @statecollegehs #PAHSFB @hsfbamerica @mrpafootball pic.twitter.com/UWx5PGuJX0
— EasternPAFootball (@EPAFootball) March 22, 2025
“First I want to thank everyone here and Mr PA Football for putting on this event,” Zimmerman told the crowd at the award ceremony held at Milton Hershey High School. “I want to thank my mom and dad for being there every step of the way. I want to thank my coaches and teammates. I couldn’t have done this without you.”
The Small School finalists were Aiden Bliss of Port Allegany, Dayshaun Burnett of Imani Christian Academy, Jase Ferguson of Central Clarion, Madden Patrick of Danville and Matt Sieg of Fort Cherry.
Other student-athletes to be honored Saturday night were:
- Venny Brook from Bishop McDevitt High School, who attend Carnegie Mellon University, won the 3-Star Foundation award that was created to challenge area youth to achieve their fullest potential as individuals and community members by providing opportunities for academic (mind), physical (body), and character growth (soul).
- Big School Lineman Award was given to St. Joseph’s Prep’s Kahlil Stewart, who will play his college football at Syracuse.
- Small School Lineman Award goes to Noah Shimko from Mount Carmel Area. Shimko has committed to the University of Maine.
- Bishop McDevitt QB Stone Saunders won the Michael Payton Memorial Quarterback Award. Saunders, a two-time MaxPreps’ PA Player of the Year, finished his career as the state’s all-time leader in career TD passes (204), completions (781) and passing yards (13,719). The University of Kentucky-signeeHe is a Kentucky signee led the Crusaders to the program’s third PIAA title and a No. 205 ranking in the High School Football America 300 national rankings, powered by NFL Play Football.
The 2025 “Mickey Minnich” Legendary Coach Award went to Jim Morgans, who coached at Allentown Central, Salisbury, Bethlehem Freedom and Parkland. Morgan won two state titles at Central Catholic. In his three decades as a high school footbal head coach, he amassed a record of 283-137-1.
A portion of the about story includes information from our friends at EasternPAFootball.com
