Radnor’s Jack Horvath is Main Line Boys Athlete of the Week

The Red Raiders’ sophomore running back rushed 213 times for 1273 yards and 17 touchdowns this fall, along with six catches for 139 yards and two six-pointers, giving him 19 touchdowns on the year.  In Radnor’s 34-0 win against Lower Merion, Horvath rushed 20 times for 137 yards and two touchdowns, and grabbed two passes for 36 yards and another score. He was named Great American Rivalry MVP for the game.

Q: What is your most vivid memory of the Radnor-Lower Merion game – can you share it with us?

The most vivid memory I have of the Lower Merion game would have to be the pass I caught to give us our first points and the lead. Our quarterback Pat McDermott did a good job of putting the ball where the defense could not get it, and our linemen and wide receivers did a good job blocking downfield to set me up for the touchdown.

Q: What does playing in the Radnor-Lower Merion game mean to you, with all of its history? What did it mean to you to be named Great American Rivalry MVP?

A: Playing in the Radnor-Lower Merion means a lot to me with the rich history between the two schools and also the support the schools have for their team during this game. Being named the Great American Rivalry MVP is a great honor considering so many people on our team had a great game.

Q: What (to you) was the most memorable touchdown you scored this season – can you describe how the play unfolded, and your role in it?

A: It’s hard to chose which touchdown is the most memorable but I would say the middle screen pass in the Sun Valley game because after I caught the ball I bounced off my offensive tackle Colin Bradley, and ran for my fourth touchdown of the night.

Q: You’ve gained more than 1,200 yards rushing this season – what do you think were the key factors behind your success this fall? What part of your game are you working on most at the present time?

A: Football is a team sport so I would have to attribute a lot of the success I had this year to my linemen who never took plays off and also my coaches for recognizing what I would be able to contribute to the team. I also think part of the success I have had this year was from my many years of experience in football playing Pop Warner since I was in second grade and gaining valuable football IQ. The part of my game I am focusing on at the moment would be trying to get bigger and stronger for next season.

Q: Who have been your top football mentors, and what has been the most important thing each of them taught you?

A: My brother was a huge mentor because he was the one who got me into football at such an early age and taught me how to work hard in athletics. The coaching staff at Radnor has also been huge mentors as they taught me the expectations of playing varsity football and how you have to make every play count because nothing is going to be handed to you.

Q: You wear No. 21 for Radnor – why did you choose that number – does it have any special significance to you?

A: I decided to go with 21 this year because I have always chosen odd numbers and 21 seemed like the coolest odd number available.

Q: Who is your favorite football player, and why? Is there a player whose game you try to pattern your own after?

A: My favorite football player right now is Odell Beckham because of his play making ability and spectacular catches. What I try to take from Odell’s game is his explosiveness and ability to take over games and make big plays for his team.

Q: What is your favorite subject in school?

A: I have always enjoyed math and science so I would say those are my favorite subjects.

Q: You’re also a wrestler for Radnor – what sparked your interest in wrestling? What (to you) has been the highlight of your wrestling career?

A: My interest in wrestling initially started when I was told it would make me a better football player but I have gained an interest in wrestling itself over time. Given that it was a freshman last year, the highlight of my wrestling career was probably getting my first varsity win.

Jack Horvath’s top picks

Book: The Outsiders.

Author: George R. R. Martin.

TV show: Breaking Bad.

Movie: Interstellar.

Athlete: Odell Beckham Jr.

Person I admire most: “I admire my father for always supporting me and giving me his advice.”

Team: Philadelphia Eagles.

Place to visit:  Ocean City N.J.

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