Foley

FOX CHAPEL — Seniors from the Shady Side Academy football team have been dreaming about making the playoffs since their sophomore year.

They're looking to qualify for the postseason, then make a run to Heinz Field for the WPIALClass AA championship game.

If that's the case, Jordan Foley is certainly the type of player who can get them there.

Foley, a resident of Meridian, was the team's leading tackler in 2005 with 90 as a defensive back and was an all-Allegheny Conference selection in the process.

On offense, however, his role is not as defined, which is fine with Indians coach Dave Havern.

"He's a real versatile kid," said Havern, whose Indians play at Freeport at 7:30 p.m. Friday. "He can play four different offensive positions. Last year, he was a running back and backup quarterback.

"He's the defensive captain. He'll start this year more at a hybrid position, more of a strong safety. In the offense, he'll be at tailback or at wide receiver. His fullback days are gone,"Havern added.

Last year, Foley rushed for 375 yards and one touchdown while sharing carries with Vince Miller. The duo will again team up in the backfield.

"It works out well," said Foley. "It keeps us fresh because we'll play on defense."

Defense is Foley's forte and he could make an even bigger impact this season. The 5-foot-10, 185-pound Foley grew an inch and added 15 pounds to his frame.

"We had a new program with a new weightlifting coach," said Foley. "I had a good diet and I ran two-tenths faster in the (40-yard dash) this year."

And with Foley playing pretty much all the snaps on defense, that will come in handy.

"It's a help to me because Jordan understands the game on both sides of the ball," said Havern. "He's a good leader. He's one of our captains, and that's a good choice. He plays with a lot of emotion."

Foley spent his sophomore year as a cornerback and took over at quarterback that year, then he was a free safety last year. This year, he'll play more of a linebacker-strong safety position.

"Basically, I want the team to count on me, to stop the run and give the team a chance to win," he said. "We want to get to Heinz Field and stop the 2-7, 3-6 seasons,"Foley added.

Following the season, Foley wants to play college football, most likely in the Ivy League.

"He's an excellent student, a 3.9 grade-point average and 1,400 on his (college) boards," said Havern. "He's a great student on top of being a three-sport athlete (Foley also excels at basketball and baseball).

"He's a Shady Side guy. He's able to get himself into a good school," Havern added.

And what school could that be?

"I spent four days at Dartmouth with coach (Buddy) Teevens. That's my first choice and Brown's a close second."

There are other schools, including some Division III choices as well, but Foley knows he still has another season. He and his senior teammates want to turn that goal made as a sophomore into reality.