MIKE LANDERS

SCHOOL: Springdale.

WHO IS HE? A 5-foot-10, 170-pound fullback-strong safety.

THE PAST WEEK: Landers intercepted two passes and gained 65 yards on 16 carries Saturday as the Dynamos charged past Sto-Rox, 30-13, in the WPIAL Class A championship game.

CAREER: A sophomore, Landers has 906 yards rushing on 165 carries, a team-high 21 receptions for 325 yards, 9 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. He started at fullback and was a defensive reserve as a freshman.

MAN ON THE MOVE: Not only is Landers productive on both sides, but he also is versatile. "Toward the end of the season, when we went to a double slot, Mike became our ace back," coach Chuck Wagner said. "We really needed some help outside and he's a tremendous receiver. He's very athletic."

ADAM ANTSY? Sto-Rox quarterback Adam DiMichele is the WPIAL career passing leader with more than 6,000 yards, but Springdale intercepted three of his passes -- two by Landers. A 53-yard return on Landers' first interception set up a touchdown that gave the Dynamos a 21-7 lead at halftime. "We studied him more than any quarterback ever before," Landers said. "We felt we rattled him."

PICKOFF PLAYS: Wagner has a simple explanation for Landers' interceptions: "He just has that knack for getting to the ball." Landers, however, gives a large measure of credit to assistant coach Pappy Boulton. "Coach Boulton gave me videos about techniques that have helped a lot. They've given me a better idea of where I'm supposed to be in relation to the quarterback and when to break on the ball."

A SHOW OF HANDS: The football field isn't the only place where Landers displays his ability to catch. He was the starting shortstop for the junior varsity baseball team last spring, and played some with the varsity.

FUTURE: Landers wants to be a college athlete, but isn't sure which sport. Wagner can envision it being football. "He's not a speed burner, but his speed is increasing. He is elusive and has great balance, and can smell out a pass on defense. Mike isn't a weak kid, but we will work on his strength during the off-season. We'd like to see him at 175 or 180 next year. Then he could be out of sight."

-- By Rick Shrum