Do-it-all star Zubillaga has Unionville on the brink of history
EAST MARLBOROUGH >> There was a four and a half week stretch during the 2016 season where Unionville’s postseason hopes laid in the balance.
Quarterback Alex Gorgone was injured during the week four game against West Chester Rustin and Unionville was forced to plug in Joe Zubillaga, who was a better athlete than quarterback.
What the Indians discovered that month not only saved their season, but set them up to make the run they are currently on, as the week-old District 1 Class 5A champions.
“I’d like to think we would’ve figured out both styles, but it was a bit of a blessing in disguise,” Unionville coach Pat Clark said of Zubillaga and Gorgone playing together. “That being said, Tim (Murphy, offensive coordinator) is really good at getting our best players involved as much as we can. I think it’s about the player more than it’s about the plays.”
Primarily used on defense, Zubillaga had just five receptions for 60 yards worth of offense leading into that Rustin game. With Gorgone out, Zubillaga did just enough throwing the ball and became a true threat running the ball, going for 397 yards and three touchdowns as Unionville went 3-1.
As a senior, Zubillaga has become the most productive dual threat in the area, rushing for 796 yards and 11 scores while catching 37 passes for 698 yards and 10 more TDs.
He’s the first area player to record 10 rushing and 10 receiving scores in the same season since Jake Barr did it for Downingtown West in 2015.
“It was something I was really excited about,” Zubillaga said about his expanded role. “With my athleticism I knew I could really perform.”
Unionville has had its fair share of star players and accomplished teams, but Zubillaga has become the type of game-changer that the smaller schools need to go deep into the playoffs. Think Nasir Adderley for Great Valley in 2014 or Johnny O’Donnell for West Chester Henderson in 2007.
Gorgone has improved dramatically, throwing for 1,842 yards and 22 touchdowns as a senior. Receiver JT Hower has become a big-play threat and Dante Graham has taken an expanded work load at running back with the loss of fellow running back Jack Adams.
But when things get a little hairy during a game, it’s clear who Unionville turns to.
“(Zubillaga) just continued in the line of Tommy Pancoast and Matt Carroll in getting the most competitive kid to handle every snap,” Clark said.
Zubillaga, who’s uncommitted as to where he’ll play next year in college, lines up all over on offense. If he’s not positioned as a receiver, he’s likely in the backfield to run the wildcat. Teams know what’s coming when he’s back there but few have been able to stop him.
He’s also attempted five passes this season and completed three, all for touchdowns.
“In the offseason Pat and I talked about how to utilize both skills,” Murphy said. “Alex distributes to everyone and Zub is a playmaker. When he has the ball in his hands, good things can happen for us. It’s also nice to put 10 in front of him to block.”
As a sophomore, Zubillaga started at free safety and has grown into a linebacker over the last two seasons. A week ago he recorded two interceptions, taking one for a score, against undefeated Springfield (Delco) to lead Unionville to its first district title since 1994.
“I think the kids really rally around him,” Clark said. “He’s always been a pretty good defensive player but last week he really stepped up defensively for us. Regardless of where we need him or how we need him, he comes through for you.”
Unionville’s next hurdle is a much larger one, with state semifinal opponent Archbishop Wood, winner of four of the last five Class 3A/5A state titles. But however or whenever it ends, Zubillaga will go down as one of the greatest Indians on one of Unionville’s greatest teams.
“Coming into the year we knew we could be something special,” Zubillaga said. “Actually getting something done that hasn’t been done in years, it’s great. Being able to leave our mark after being here so long, it’s great.”
