This past fall, Northwestern’s football program had a record-book season in many aspects - notably advancing to the state championship game for the first time in program history.

It was a plethora of individual and team honors that truly resembled the Tigers’ overall success and level of play.

Yet, there was still one highly-regarded honor left for the program.

Tigers’ linemen Ben Walters and Bryer Reichard, running back Dalton Clymer, linebacker Shane Hulmes and defensive back Eli Zimmerman all were named to the Class 3A Pennsylvania Football Writers All-State team.

It marked the first time that five players were named to the list in school history.

The Tigers’ quintet was among 10 local players who were bestowed the honor.

Northwestern head coach Josh Snyder wasn’t totally surprised by the recent accolades. He also has the luxury of having Reichard, Hulmes, and Zimmerman back next season.

“This is a first, and it’s a great honor for them,” said Snyder. “I’m extremely proud of them, and they deserve it. We always tell them if they’re doing the right things, the wins and the accolades will come. These guys did a great job.

“The kids worked hard for 17 weeks, and it was an NFL-like grind. With something like this and our run, it sets the bar higher for us. When the other kids see this, it helps us dig in and get at it again.”

Along with the Tigers, Palmerton quarterback Matt Machalik and Jim Thorpe lineman Noah Rosahac both received 3A honors, and Marian’s Jesse and James Rodino and Michael Gelatko all gained 1A distinctions.

Palmerton head coach Chris Walkowiak viewed his quarterback’s selection as the final piece of a colossal career. Machalik accumulated 3,780 yards via the ground and the air this season. It proved to be a worthwhile repeat for the Lehigh-bound recruit.

“This is quite an accomplishment, and a fitting end to his career being named to the all-state team for his third consecutive year,” said Walkowiak. “Matt is truly deserving of this award, especially with him being the first player in the state to rush and throw for over 5,000 in his career, and leading us as a program to a top-10 finish at the 3A level.

“He is just a tremendous athlete on the field, and an equally impressive young man off the field based on his character, and how humble he is when it comes to setting records and winning awards. He developed each and every year in all facets of his game due to his hard work ethic, natural instincts and a competitive fire in him second to none. He raised the level of play for everyone that had the opportunity to take the field with him, and truly left a lasting legacy on the program.”

Jim Thorpe head football coach Mark Rosenberger also saw Rosahac’s recognition as a final fitting tribute. The Syracuse-bound lineman had 66 tackles and three sacks.

“I am very proud for Noah making the all-state team again,” said Rosenberger. “He has been a dominant football player for us over the past four years. Noah’s unique combination of size, quickness, and explosion has allowed him to dominate the line of scrimmage.

“Noah is one of the top players I have coached through the years. His work ethic is second to none.”

Former Marian head football coach Stan Dakosty didn’t hesitate or mince words about the contributions of the Rodinos and Gelatko.

Jesse Rodino was recognized as a linebacker, and totaled 104 tackles and 11 sacks; James Rodino was cited as defensive lineman for his 102 tackles and five sacks; and Gelatko gained recognition for his 23 catches with a 16.6 average per reception.

“I can’t tell you enough how proud I am of these guys,” said Dakosty, who recently retired from his post. “They worked extremely hard over the past four years to help elevate the program.

“They loved to compete, loved the game, and loved the program. Jesse was a dominating linebacker. James may have been overshadowed by his brother, but he was outstanding as well. Michael was one of the top tight ends in the state.

“We always said, ‘Don’t let the game own you, you own the game.’ These three guys were the epitome of that. We have had many good players here, but these three were among the best that I coached. They were the big dogs on the field, in the locker room, and in the classroom.”