Setting new Standards
CHERRY TWP — Dustin Geagan was supposed to be a sidekick.
He turned into a star.
The Moniteau running back flashed his talent two years ago with 676 yards on 106 carries. However, no one anticipated him to rewrite the record books in 2011.
Geagan's 1,540 rushing yards in 2011 were more than anyone in school history. He totaled 17 touchdowns — 16 on the ground — while ripping off 8.3 yards per carry.
And he's not leaving anytime soon.
“It seems like he's been around forever,” said Moniteau coach Jeff Campbell, “but he was just a sophomore.
“We didn't have great expectations for him. We thought that he could complement (quarterback) Kyle (Armagost) pretty well in the offense — and he did that,” added Campbell with a chuckle.
Geagan admitted he didn't see the record-setting campaign coming, either.
“I knew I had my part to play,” said Geagan, “but it turned out to be bigger than I expected.”
He was simply trying to plug a hole left by 2009 Butler Eagle Scoring Trophy Winner James Shope.
“Going into it, I didn't think I could fill James Shope's shoes,” Geagan admitted. “He was such a great running back at Moniteau.”
Always a big-play threat in the rushing attack, Geagan also caught 11 passes for 287 yards.
He inflicted the most damage on the ground, though. Averaging just over 100 yards per game in his first three contests, he rushed for 184 yards on 20 carries against Redbank Valley and exploded for 306 yards and four touchdowns at the expense of St. Marys the following week.
The historic season was sweetened with team success. The Warriors won their first 12 games en route to the school's first District 9 championship and a PIAA quarterfinal appearance.
“It's something that I will never forget,” Geagan said. “There were just so many memories with those guys.”
The 5-foot-11, 164-pound junior credited teammates for his individual accolades.“Especially the line, they're so underrated,” said Geagan. “Without them, I'd be nothing.”Geagan remains in a Moniteau uniform, but Armagost and receiver Ethan Pry — record-setters in their own right — were lost to graduation. Armagost threw for 2,168 yards for 25 touchdowns and added 1,301 yards and 20 scores on the ground, while Pry tallied 46 catches for 1,062 yards and 14 TDs.Opposing defenses will have less to worry about this year, shining a spotlight squarely on Geagan.“So many teams focused on Kyle that I think that helped Geagan, too,” said Campbell. “Kyle is gone. The focus is going to be on Geagan until somebody else on this team establishes themselves.“I know if I was coaching against us, we would be keying Geagan,” Campbell elaborated. “I would be spying him with somebody at all times.”To prepare for the challenges ahead, Geagan said he concentrated on strengthening his legs over the offseason so he could absorb big hits and break more tackles.“That's an important part of the game … being able to get through people,” he explained. “As long as you can take a hit, you can play.”Despite the stunning success as a sophomore, Geagan remains focused on elevating his skills to another level.“Just keep getting better,” he said. “There's always somewhere you can improve and whatever little things I can do, I want to do it.”And with several departed leaders from last year's squad, he's ready to step up in the locker room, too.“I know that's the seniors' role,” Geagan explained, “but I try to get my two cents in every once in a while if things need to be said or somebody needs help.”“He's a good kid,” said Campbell. “He works hard, he runs hard and I think some of the other kids are feeding off that.”
Following is the 2011 game-by-game rushing totals for Moniteau running back Dustin Geagan:<B>Regular SeasonOpponent Carries Yards TD</B>Karns City 16 122 1Clarion 8 88 1Brookville 19 103 2Redbank Valley 20 184 1St. Marys 23 306 4Union 15 84 0Punxsutawney 12 119 1Keystone 16 97 1Kennedy Catholic 6 77 1<B>District 9 PlayoffsOpponent Carries Yards TD</B>Sheffield 13 137 2Karns City 15 145 1<B>PIAA PlayoffsOpponent Carries Yards TD</B>Oliver 14 68 1Aliquippa 8 10 0
