Kiski Area quarterback Landyn Artman has become a dangerous dual-threat weapon for opposing defenses. Last Friday night, Hampton discovered that firsthand.

The junior signal-caller completed 18-of-25 passes for 221 yards and three touchdowns while adding two rushing scores in the Cavaliers' convincing 45-10 victory over the Talbots.

The performance earned Artman the Westmoreland Sports Network's Week 7 Player of the Week honors.

"I think it was pretty much just get on them early and don't let up," Artman said. "First drive took three plays and already scored, and then it was just from there on. Keep driving."

Kiski Area built a commanding 28-0 halftime lead, highlighted by Artman's second rushing touchdown, which he called his favorite play of the night.

"I feel like that really was a nail in the coffin," Artman said. "That really gave us the momentum we needed to go into halftime."

Artman connected with Davion McNeil for two touchdown passes, continuing a connection that began long before the two reached high school.

"Ever since we started playing football, we've played together from our little league up until now, and we've played basketball together our whole lives," Artman said. "We've grown up with each other and we know how each other works."

The victory was particularly satisfying for a Cavaliers team that had previously struggled to protect leads, including a disappointing loss to Plum. Against Hampton, Artman and his teammates were determined not to let history repeat itself.

"Against Plum, I feel like we tried to play it smart. We tried to drain the clock," Artman explained. "Hampton, we never stopped. That was what me and the coaches talked about, and the collective offensive unit was, don't let up."

Now in his junior season, Artman has noticed considerable growth in his ability to manage the offense, particularly when facing pressure.

"I feel like last year I forced a lot of things," he said. "This year I feel like I'm taking a lot more of the short stuff and letting my athletes and my teammates go and make plays."

Artman has also embraced playing for first-year head coach Brayden Thimmons, who has brought a more aggressive mentality to the program.

"He's young. He played the sport not too long ago. He understands what it's like," Artman said. "He definitely has brought a more dominant, impose-our-will type of attitude towards the team."

Artman's athletic talents aren't limited to football. He also plays basketball and competes in track and field, where he has developed into one of Pennsylvania's top young javelin throwers. After taking up the event as a freshman, Artman qualified for New Balance Nationals. As a sophomore, he finished fifth at the WPIAL championship meet and ended the season ranked as the No. 2 sophomore javelin thrower in Pennsylvania, according to Artman.

"I was just thinking, hey, I can throw a football. Why not try throwing this javelin?" he recalled.

Artman hopes to compete collegiately in football, basketball or track and field, but for now, he's focused on helping the Cavaliers finish the season strong. While the touchdowns and individual accomplishments are rewarding, Artman says the relationships he's built through football mean the most.

"What I enjoy most is the brotherhoods that I make throughout the year and the experiences with my friends, my teammates," he said. "All our coaches say that once you graduate, you'll never forget it."