CENTER TWP., Pa. — Central Valley has been a dominant force in the WPIAL winning three state titles in the past decade and producing prospects such as former Pitt safety and now New York Jet safety Jordan Whitehead. Central Valley has won 41 out of the last 42 games, and they are off to a 4-0 start this season. They have outscored their opponents 206-64 this season, and most of the points against them were in garbage time.
Spearheading this effort for the Warriors is senior Jayvin Thompson, a 6-foot-2, 190-pound versatile two-way player who plays running back, wide receiver, and safety for Central Valley is making a late push in the recruiting cycle. Thompson scored a rushing touchdown and a receiving touchdown in the first half of their 58-13 win over Chartiers Valley on Friday night. Another player is Bret FitzSimmons, who has rushed for over 100 yards in each of the last three games. Bret is the brother of current Pitt freshman defensive lineman Sean FitzSimmons.
Pittsburgh Sports Now talked to Thompson after Friday’s win over Chartiers Valley on how he improved in the offseason and how his recruiting is going along as he has received offers from Army, Bowling Green, Eastern Michigan, Fordham, Holy Cross, and Sacred Heart. And his goals for the rest of the season.
Furst, PSN talked to Thompson about team goals and how he is confident that his team has the expectations to repeat as state champions.
” Our goal is to make it the whole way and win states, and I don’t think anyone will beat us”
Next, PSN talked to him about his position fit at the college level, and he says schools are looking at him as a safety, but he is willing to play any position if needed.
“Most schools are looking at me as a safety, but I currently don’t have a preference.”
Next, Thompson spoke about how he got better in the offseason and how he worked on getting bigger, stronger, and faster. However, he spoke about how the most important part of his development is the mental aspect of his game.
“I’ve worked out all offseason, but my biggest improvement is the mental aspect of my game. I improved mentally, and I came out that much faster because of it.”
Thompson also spoke about his goals for the rest of the season and h but has set lofty goals for himself as he looks to have big-time stats on both sides of the ball. However, he put the team first and put winning above all else.
“My goals for the rest of the year are to rack up 1,000 yards on offense and at least eight interceptions on defense, but at the end of the day, the goal is just to win.”
Thompson said he does not have a favorite school at the moment, and he is still setting up his official visits to campuses, but as he continues to play like the versatile two-way player that can help a program he may continue to get offers as his recruiting process is going along.
