Conestoga’s Peter Detwiler is Main Line Boys Athlete of the Week

The junior wide receiver was an electric pass catcher for the Pioneers this past fall, making 28 catches for 570 yards and two touchdowns in five games, with some other highlight-reel catches called back on penalties.  Detwiler made ESPN’s Sunday NFL countdown with an over-the-shoulder highlight reel catch vs. Lower Merion, and he also recorded the longest touchdown in Pennsylvania in Week No. 3 with a 98 yard TD against Garnet Valley.  A fine all-around athlete, Detwiler is a lacrosse standout for Conestoga as well.

 

Q: You made ESPN’s Sunday NFL countdown with an over-the-shoulder highlight reel catch against Lower Merion. Tell us what you remember most about that catch, and describe how the play developed.

A: I had noticed on one of our passing concepts that the cornerback’s eyes were locking onto the out route behind me every time. When he slows down to look at the other receiver it allows me to work around him down field. I told Coach that it was open and the next offensive drive worked just like we had planned. I tracked the ball and was able to catch it over the cornerback and once I came down with it I knew I had to do whatever I could to get into the end zone.

Q: You recorded the longest touchdown in Pennsylvania in week No. 3 with a 98 yard TD catch against Garnet Valley. Can you tell us a little about that catch, and how the play developed?

A: It was a similar situation to where I relayed what I was seeing on the field to my quarterback and coaches. Deep in our own territory we needed a big play to get us out of there. I noticed the corner and safety were switching off onto the out route leaving a big window for myself. We ran it again the next possession, [quarterback Michael] Costigan saw me and led me with a great ball.

Q: Tell us a little about your football training since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. What did you find to be the biggest challenge to your training during the first months of the pandemic, and how did you handle that?

 

A: It was definitely tough but the senior class did a really good job organizing captains’ practices that were very productive and made up for a lot of the season COVID took away. I was proud to see all of the boys come out during the uncertain times. It was hard that the spring lacrosse season was canceled but training for the future helped keep my mind off of it. The biggest challenge was lifting but my Dad and I built a gym in our garage which made do for the time being.

 

Q: Who is your favorite football player and why?

 

A: My favorite football player is Calvin Johnson. I love his blue collar work ethic and his ability to make catches over one, two, and even three players look easy. His opponents respected him a lot and he kept his mouth shut, focusing solely on his job for the team.

 

Q: Who have been your biggest football mentors, and what was the most important thing you learned from each one?

 

A: Playing football since first grade I have played for several different coaches and they have all definitely had an impact on the way I love the game. My Uncle Dom is a big one as he has always supported me and talks to me about football every time I see him. When he coached at Archbishop Wood he would bring me on the sideline for the big games. 

 

Q: Tell us a little about your pre-game preparation the day of a football game.

A: Before games I listen to the same playlist that I have had for the past two years. A couple of songs added yearly. I get to school early, get taped by the trainer, eat a PB&J, and focus on the game.

 

Q: You wear uniform jersey No. 4 for Conestoga football. Why did you pick this number – was there a particular reason?

 

A: I choose No. 4 this year because my friend Scott Smith wore it last year and I wanted to carry on what he started

 

Q: What is your favorite course at Conestoga?

 

A: My favorite course is math.

 

Fun facts – Peter Detwiler

Favorite book: The Hard Hat.

Favorite author: Jon Gordon.

Favorite TV show: The Mandalorian.

Favorite movie: Interstellar.

Favorite athlete: Kobe Bryant.

Favorite pre-game pump-up song: Wins & Losses – Meek Mill.

Favorite team: Philadelphia Eagles.

Favorite place to visit: “The beach.”

Favorite pre-game meal: Peanut butter and jelly.

Person I most admire, and why: “My Dad, because he pushes me to be my best every day.”

Family members: parents Brian and Annie, sisters Maddie and Katie.

 

(To be selected as Main Line Boys Athlete of the Week, a student-athlete must first be nominated by his coach.)