The best of the best.

It was yet another banner year for football All-State selections in the Times News area. Eight players were selected from the Times News coverage area this season to the Football Writer’s All State team, which included six from Northwestern Lehigh, one from Palmerton and one from Marian.

After another historic Tigers season, they were well represented on the 3A team. Northwestern had a talented group of seniors selected in Shane Leh (QB), Shane Hulmes (LB), Braxton Lakatosh (RB), and Colton Popp (OL). Those Tigers’ seniors finished their careers with a four-year record of 57-5, four straight District 11 championships, three state championship appearances and a state title in 2024. Leh and Hulmes were selected to the All-State team a year ago as well. The future is still very bright for the Tigers program, with juniors Brady Zimmerman (WR) and Michael Lagowy (DB) also being selected to the team.

“It’s just very rewarding for those guys. We always talk about how individual stats don’t matter. It’s all about team championships. That if you win championships, then the recognition will come at the end,” said Northwestern head coach Josh Snyder.

“It’s always a team-first mentality. And what is tough, especially with our guys, is that they play in a lot of games where they’re only playing two, maybe three quarters because of being in the mercy rule. So, I think it’s really impressive when you look at that. But again, we call these team awards, and it goes to show you what can happen if you have that type of mentality. Just super proud of these guys and what they stand for and how they play the game of football.”

Palmerton offensive lineman Logan Anthony had his season cut short due to an elbow injury he sustained in the Bombers’ sixth game. The Rutgers signee still made a significant impact, coming through with 50 pancake blocks from his guard spot. Anthony was selected to the 3A team this season after being selected last season as well.

“I’m excited for Logan being selected as a two-time All-State player. He just moves people at the point of attack, and is super athletic to get to second level. He still had 50 pancake blocks in half a season, and he had to miss the remainder of the year due to his unfortunate injury,” said Palmerton head coach Chris Walkowiak.

“His execution on run blocking assignments jumps out at you while watching his film. However, he also possesses great footwork to make him equally impressive in pass protection. Logan is no doubt an impact player on the line of scrimmage. I’m looking forward to watching him develop and compete at Rutgers.”

Marian’s Rory Dixon’s name is synonymous with the running back position, but Dixon also made an impact on the defensive side of the ball for the Colts in the defensive backfield. The junior finished the season with 73 total tackles, five interceptions (one returned for a touchdown), and three passes defended. Because of his production on the defensive end, Dixon was selected to the 1A team.

“As a coaching staff, we always felt like Rory was trending towards being an All-State player, and to see him realize that goal is exciting,” said Marian head coach Billy O’Gurek. “His impact on the game defensively was evident from Week One when he had one interception and forced another with a deflected pass.

“His instincts in coverage and ball skills set him apart, and we counted on him to take our opponent’s top receiving threat every week. He’s a great representative for our school and football program, and we couldn’t be happier to see him recognized as an All-State player for his performance this season.”