Greensburg Central Catholic won their first playoff game in over a decade when they defeated West Greene 42-22 at Plum High School this past weekend. In fact, you’d have to go all the way back to 2009 when the school finished as the PIAA AA runners-up to find their last playoff win.
So, to go from a state championship appearance to 10+ years without a playoff win. It’s safe to say that the Centurions are playing with a chip on their shoulder when they take on South Side Beaver this weekend.
“I’m excited,” said star two-way player Samir Crosby. “It’s a big game, people doubting us again, and I think we can prove them wrong.”
Crosby though mentioned that he has added pressure this time of the year. He’s still only a sophomore, but he has begun looking at colleges to continue both his football career and education. His pressure stems from only receiving one offer thus far from UNLV.
“I mean, it’s good having that one offer,” said Crosby. “But it puts pressure on you, overthinking and all. If you don’t get that second offer, it is good to have that first offer.”
A second offer is certainly more than likely. Crosby mentioned that he’s been talking to a few other schools including taking a recent visit to Akron and scheduling one with Penn State. He mentioned that he’s been talking to Pitt a lot, and he’s also been to camps at Clemson and Tennessee.
There’s certainly a suitor out there for Crosby. The sophomore plays wide receiver and free safety for Greensburg Central Catholic, in addition to being the school’s back-up quarterback. In a simple way to put it, he’s versatile, and that’s what he describes as his best trait.
“If they put me anywhere, I can play any position,” said Crosby. “Just my overall athletic ability.”
Despite playing for a private school, Crosby’s roots start in Jeannette. He mentioned that many Jeannette football players have helped him become the athlete that he is today. This includes his cousin Robert “Poogie” Kennedy, who currently plays safety at the ACC school NC State.
“Definitely some Jeanette players like Poogie and Giovanni Sanders,” said Crosby. “They’ve definitely paved the way for me. Kept me on my toes and I try to do what they did…”
“It’s where I’m from. I’ve hung around those people a lot. They’re just my idols and I look up to them.”
His idols can watch him this weekend when Greensburg Central Catholic plays top-seeded South Side Beaver in the WPIAL playoffs.
