Oct 8, 2025 By Jonathan Guth 5 min read

Name: Deakyn DeHoet

School: Jefferson-Morgan

Class: Senior

Sport: Football

DeHoet’s week: The Rockets’ wide receiver pulled in six receptions for 202 yards, including three for touchdowns, and rushed for 30 yards on six carries in Jefferson-Morgan’s 37-19 victory over Beth-Center in Class A Tri-County South Conference play last Friday at Parker Field.

DeHoet, who also handles the team’s kickoffs, punts and holds for Logan Yeck’s extra point and field goal attempts, didn’t get off the field much in helping the Rockets earn their 18-straight victory in the regular season.

Jefferson-Morgan is in search of its second Tri-County South title in as many years, but the Rockets, who improved to 4-0 in the conference and 7-0 overall, were tested by the Bulldogs, who featured a dual-threat rushing attack in Enzo Brown and Teagen Veatch, who combined for 293 yards on 39 carries.

“We kind of took Beth-Center lightly, but they showed us how tough they were,” DeHoet said. “We know that we can’t afford to do that again. It was a big wakeup call for us. We have some tough games coming up, including this Friday at Bentworth, so we need to be ready.”

DeHoet used his speed to turn several hitch routes into touchdowns, but he was more focused on helping his team win.

The senior has 30 receptions for 741 yards and 11 touchdown catches this season. He has rushed for 510 yards on 31 carries and reached the end zone 10 times. DeHoet also returned a kickoff for a touchdown and has two 2-point conversions for 136 total points.

Battling through injuries: Jefferson-Morgan has been battling through injuries, as sophomore Alek Palko and senior John Woodward have missed playing time. Palko won’t be able to return this year, but Woodward is set to return against the Bearcats.

“It is tough to see your teammates hurt, and Alek is a great defensive player for us,” DeHoet said. “We are glad to have John back. Injuries, while unfortunate, are part of the game, and we must work through it.”

A little bit of everything: In addition to his offensive prowess and playing on special teams, DeHoet also plays in the secondary for the Rockets. He has been working on his kicking and punting, as was evident in last Friday’s game, as he dropped a punt inside the 10 for the Bulldogs.

“Coach (Shane Ziats) likes to take shots, but with the punting and kicking, we have to be aware of certain situations, and what to do if an opportunity arises,” DeHoet said. “I keep on working and try to stay in the best condition I can be in, but we are all human, and no matter how good of shape you are in, fatigue will set in.”

Valuable experience: Jefferson-Morgan qualified for the WPIAL playoffs last season after winning the Tri-County South, and the Rockets were rewarded with a home playoff game at Parker Field.

Unfortunately for Jefferson-Morgan, an early deficit and a multitude of penalties wasn’t enough for it to overcome in a 39-30 loss to South Side.

DeHoet believes he and his teammates who were on last year’s squad have learned from last season’s experience.

“The playoff experience taught us what to train for and expect,” DeHoet said. “It was a teaching moment for us seniors who were juniors that year. We definitely want to have a different result this year.”

Getting noticed: DeHoet’s play has attracted the attention of Division III Waynesburg University and Division II California (Pa.) but a visit to Acrisure Stadium on Sept. 27 to watch the University of Pittsburgh host Louisville was a special moment for DeHoet.

“It was definitely exciting to be at the Pitt game and have them show interest in me,” DeHoet said. “Of course, I am happy when any college team shows interest in me. I just need to keep working and play every game as hard as I can.”

If DeHoet is able to play football at the next level, which he most-likely can, any track & field coach would be glad to have him, as he was fifth place in the Class 2A at the state meet this past spring.

Ironically enough, DeHoet competed for Beth-Center in track & field as part of a co-op because the Rockets do not have a track & field team.

“The fact that I compete for Beth-Center in track & field wasn’t mentioned too much, but some of the guys from Beth-Center who I run track with talked to me during the game and congratulated me after I made a play,” DeHoet said.

Being a kid: DeHoet also plays baseball, and is improving at pickleball, which is unorthodox for a teenager with Division I talent, but he enjoys the time to be a kid.

“I would say I’m decent at pickleball, but there is more to learn,” DeHoet said. “I have improved since the first time I played it. It is nice to go out there and just play something for fun and live out my childhood.”

Compiled by Jonathan Guth