Penn State Recruiting: Joey Schlaffer highlights from PIAA 5A semifinals
There were only a handful of future Penn State players still alive in the playoffs heading into the weekend, one of whom was 2023 tight end Joey Schlaffer from Exeter Township.
Unfortunately, his season did come to an end, as Penn-Trafford ended up winning 49-14 to advance to the PIAA 5A championship game in Hershey next Saturday.
Despite the loss, the Penn State commit was excellent, playing arguably the best game of his season. Schlaffer finished with seven receptions for 109 yards and a touchdown. Seven catches was the most he had all season, with 109 yards being his second-highest total in regards to yardage.
For his junior season, he finished with 48 receptions for 837 yards and nine touchdowns. That’s an average of more than 17 yards per reception.
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Although their season didn’t end in Hershey, Schlaffer and his teammates have a lot to be proud of. Two weeks ago, they pulled off one of the biggest upsets of the season in PIAA’s District III, defeating RB Nick Singleton and top-ranked Governor Mifflin in the 5A championship. They finished 10-4, making a deep a run in the state playoffs that few expected when they finished 6-3 in the regular season.
“I think I improved in a lot of areas,” the Penn State commit said in a Q&A last week. “My attention to details, definitely when it comes to route running, was a big thing for me. Also, just playing smart, having that high football IQ. For example, I had two catches to get us first downs at important times, so just knowing where I had to be, things like that. Doing that without looking down, but really having that sense for where I’m at. That’s a big part of my progression this season.
“I also think just being a leader. I really tried to always be engaged on the sidelines. That stuff matters, especially in games against a team like Mifflin. When they were scoring on us, you gotta keep your guys from getting down, especially when they gained some real momentum on us. But really, I would say my football knowledge overall has improved the most.”
