The Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference announced its football all-stars last week and three players who graduated from PG South area high schools were recognized.

McKeesport Area graduate Darren Burns, a junior linebacker at California University of Pennsylvania, was voted to the first team.

Burns, a second-year starter, contributed 45 total tackles, including 27 solo hits. He ranked second on the team with 8.0 sacks, first with five pass break ups, and had two interceptions, two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery.

In two seasons, Burns has 90 tackles, 48 solo stops, nine sacks, 11.5 tackles for a loss, three interceptions, and nine pass break ups.

South Fayette graduate Dan Pickens, a senior tight end at Indiana University of Pennsylvania, also was voted to the first team.

Pickens had 43 catches for 469 yards and a team-leading seven touchdowns. He ranked first in the conference among tights with 4.3 receptions per game. He had a season-high eight catches for 66 yards and a touchdown against California and made six catches for 66 yards against Slippery Rock.

In 34 games over the past four seasons, Pickens has totals of 71 receptions for 851 yards and nine touchdowns.

Elizabeth-Forward graduate Jace Amore, a senior punter at California University, was also a first-team selection.

Amore, a second-year punter, raised his average from 36.5 yards per punt last year to 40.2 this season. Of his 49 punts, only 12 were returned, 19 were downed inside the 20 yard line and 12 were fair caught. The Vulcans led the PSAC in net punting average (39.5 yds. per punt).

PAC soccer all-stars

The Presidents' Athletic Conference announced its men's soccer all-star teams and five players who are graduates of PG South area high schools were among those honored.

South Park High School graduate Chris Ellwanger, a junior defender at Westminster College, and Elizabeth Forward High School graduate Jeremy Delmaster, a junior midfielder at Washington & Jefferson College, were voted to the men's first team.

Thomas Jefferson graduate Mike DeAngelis, a sophomore midfielder at Waynesburg University, was voted to the second team.

Also honored were two Peters Township High school graduates.

J.C. Danhires, a senior forward at Waynesburg, and his Yellow Jackets teammate Ryan Gaudy, a freshman midfielder, were honorable mention selections.