University Prep's Jaylen Coleman, Greensburg C.C.'s Malea Fabean
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Jaylen Coleman
University Prep
Last week: Coleman, a senior running back/linebacker, had 170 rushing yards, a touchdown, an interception and a fumble recovery in the Panthers' 18-0 win against Perry in a City League semifinal.
The skinny: University Prep coach Lou Berry unabashedly calls Coleman "the best linebacker in the state," and recruiting services have him among the top five in his class. Coleman was All-City League at Peabody last season and briefly transferred to Gateway earlier this year before ending up at University Prep, which is in its first year. Coleman has 1,286 yards and 10 touchdowns for the Panthers, who will play Allderdice for the City League title 1 p.m. Saturday at Cupples Stadium.
• Your team has players from four different schools, and most of your teammates last year were part of two schools that don't exist anymore. How have you all come together? We bonded like a big family. We're all brothers on this team. Every single one of them is my brother.
• What would it mean to win a City League title in the first year of the school? It would be a dream come true, a great accomplishment. I would be so excited to be with all my brothers on such a day.
• Your team has shut out eight of 11 opponents this season -- including five in a row. How much pride do you take in shutouts? Our coach says to us, 'If there are zeros on the scoreboard, that means you're doing your job.' Our offense has their job, too. Coach always says, 'Do your job,' and we feel good, like we've been doing our job.
• Are you missing the NBA since its season is being postponed due to the lockout? No, sir. I'm not a big fan of basketball at all.
• Do you have a favorite late-night snack? Cap'n Crunch.
First Published November 17, 2011 12:00 am
