By Jose Negron
Over the last several years, the Mon Valley has produced some of the top running backs in the WPIAL.
Mason Pascoe, Dustin Shoaf and Dylan Mallozzi are just the latest examples of recent local products who made their presence felt during their time in the backfield for their respective teams.
Pascoe was a former Mon Valley Independent-BeeGraphix Offensive Player of the Year during his time at Belle Vernon Area and finished the 2018 season with 1,538 rushing yards.
Shoaf, a Yough graduate who is now playing at Mercyhurst University, was a two-time WPIAL rushing champion. He finished with 1,808 yards during his junior season in 2017 and 1,968 as a senior for the Cougars.
Mallozzi played behind the likes of Max Shaw, Justin Vigna and Quinton Hill during his time at Thomas Jefferson before getting his opportunity to dominate in the Jaguars’ backfield. He played a huge role during TJ’s journey to WPIAL and PIAA championships, rushing for 1,921 yards and nearly 30 touchdowns.
Those three players have moved on from their respective high school programs, but talent at the running back position is still at an all-time high in the Valley.
Dontae Sanders is a prime example of that.
The Clairton star is currently second in the WPIAL in rushing with 1,780 yards on just 112 carries. He’s averaging 15.9 yards per carry.
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