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The Times-Tribune - Graham reaps both Hookey awards

West Scranton’s dominant tight end and defensive end, who is headed to the University of Illinois, made a clean sweep of the Hookey Reap awards as the top offensive and defensive lineman in Lackawanna County, presented by the District 11 American Legion.

Dunmore’s Tim Ruddy, who went on to Notre Dame and a Pro Bowl career with the Miami Dolphins won both honors in the same season, after leading the Bucks to the 1989 PIAA Class A championship.

West Scranton tackle Eric Shrive is the runner-up for the offensive award, while Lakeland’s Justin Virbitsky is the runner-up for the defensive honor.

“It’s just unbelievable,” said Graham, who repeated as the defensive winner. “I played defensive end before I played anything when I played as a sophomore. It’s amazing how fast it’s gone.

“This is such a great honor.”

On defense, Graham earned The Times-Tribune Defensive Player of the Year award with more than 60 tackles while leading the Invaders to a school-record 12 wins and a second straight District 2 Class AAA title.

As a tight end, the 6-foot-4, 231-pounder was an intimidating receiver, catching 30 passes for 709 yards and three touchdowns and earned first-team Class AAA all-state honors. He also was a devastating blocker for the Invaders, who featured All-Region running back Shawn Bodtmann.

“I definitely took pride in my blocking,” Graham said. “That’s something that coach (Michael) DeAntona stresses. We do play at West Side and we are known for our running game. You have to be able to block.”