H-S Athlete of the Week: Linkon Keller, Connellsville
Rob Burchianti | Herald-Standard
NAME: Linkon Keller
SCHOOL: Connellsville
CLASS: Senior
SPORT: Football
KELLER’S WEEK: Keller had a huge impact on offense, defense and special teams in Connellsville’s 28-14 victory over Laurel Highlands at Mustang Field last Friday. The senior running back/linebacker scored all four of the Falcons’ touchdowns – two on runs, one on a reception and one on an interception return – and also made key plays on the kickoff, punting and extra-point units to help his team improve to 2-1.
DEFENSE: After a scoreless first quarter, Keller got his team on the board first with a 14-yard interception return for a touchdown that turned the momentum the Falcons way. “Watching films the week leading up to the game is what made that play,” Keller said. “I saw that pass several times. They try to sneak the halfback out of the backfield. I recognized it and I tried to beat him to that spot. When the quarterback let go of it I knew I timed it right and could undercut it. Defense is my passion. Offense, you go out there and know what you’re going to do, but on defense you have to be able to react, be a little bit smarter and quicker. I might take playing defense over offense.” Keller was swarmed over by his teammates in the end zone. “That’s just an awesome feeling,” Keller said. “Coach McClean this year pushed to be more together as a team, so when one person scores all 11 players on the field at that time get around him and celebrate.”
RECEIVING: The Falcons took a 14-0 early in the third quarter on an 86-yard screen pass from Jeffrey Nicholson to Keller on a second-and-16 play. Connellsville ran a similar play that also broke for a touchdown in their win over Southmoreland. “That seems to be a good play for us,” Keller said. “It’s just a good job, up front especially, of selling the play. The linemen let their guys have a free run at our quarterback and he has to stay calm and make the throw at the right time. After that I’ve just got to follow my blocks. I had a couple linemen out there that helped get me free. Then it was just hope I don’t get caught so I don’t get made fun of by my coach,” Keller added with a chuckle.
Keller also hauled in a 5-yard TD pass from Nicholson later in the quarter, leaping to make the grab in the corner of the end zone for a 21-0 lead. “Before the game our offensive coordinator Howie (Metzger) mentioned something about that play,” Keller said. “So at halftime, we were misfiring a little bit, so I was looking on the iPad and saw something that told me we could run this. He agreed and called it when we got down there and Jeff put a good ball up there for me. I went up and got it and just had to make sure I stayed inbounds with a little bit of body control.”
RUNNING: Keller’s third touchdown came after a turnover on downs and was set up by his own 26-yard run one play earlier. “It was a run to the left side,” Keller explained. “Our tight end, that was Tanner (Johnson), comes up in the hole and goes after the linebacker. After that I’ve just got to read his block and be able to make the cut. He turned the guy out so I cut back in and then I headed for the sideline. There was a corner waiting there but our receiver did a good job getting in his way and I was able to get my way down to the 5-yard line.”
Keller all but put the game away for Connellsville with a powerful 1-yard TD plunge early in the fourth quarter to put the Falcons ahead 28-0. “That’s a different mindset down on the goal line,” Keller said. “You’re looking to go north and south in that scenario. If there’s a guy where you’re supposed to go you’re charging at him, hitting him and trying to push him back. That’s all there is to that.”
SPECIAL TEAMS: Keller made a flurry of important special teams plays in the second quarter. His 34-yard punt pinned Laurel Highlands back at its 5-yard line. After his pick-six three plays later, Keller had to reach for a high snap as the holder for Tucker Beaman’s extra-point kick and successfully got the ball down and the boot was good. On the ensuing kickoff, the Mustangs’ Braden Fowler broke free for a 43-yard return that would’ve gone for a touchdown had Keller not made the tackle. “People sometimes don’t realize how big of an aspect special teams are,” said Keller, who is also a dangerous kickoff and punt returner. “Coaches always try to find a guy to give me a break at those times but I tell them I don’t want it, I prefer to be out there.”
LEADER: Keller, a team captain, welcomes a leadership role. “I told my coach in the offseason that would be an emphasis for me,” he said. “I would say I’ve always been a leader, but I’m usually not the loudest guy. I’d say what I need to but not much more. But this year I’ve definitely stepped up and talked a lot more, just trying to be able to help the team out overall and teach the younger guys, too. I play a select position but I feel like I know what everyone is supposed to be doing each play.”
COACH AND MORE: Keller admires McClean. “He’s a great coach, but beyond that also a great role model. I’ve known him since I was a kid. He knows what he’s talking about when it comes to football, always has good game plans for us, especially on defense, and is just a good guy in general.”
ODDS AND ENDS: Keller would like to continue his football career after high school. “I’m definitely hoping to play in college,” he said. “I’ve talked to a few coaches. I think this is a big year for me and I’m hoping that it results in some opportunities for me.” … Keller is a three-sport player who is also on Connellsville’s basketball and baseball teams. “I’m not as skilled as some of the other guys in basketball but I know my role, and that’s to hustle, rebound, get loose balls, be scrappy. I’m our center fielder in baseball. That was the first sport I ever played and has always been a love of mine.” … Keller also likes to golf. “I don’t classify myself as a good golfer,” Keller said, “but I like to play.”
– Compiled by Rob Burchianti