Chace Petrosky found the end zone five times in Belle Vernon's convincing victory over Southmoreland Friday, but the senior running back was more interested in talking about the teammates who helped make his memorable performance possible.

Petrosky ran for 132 yards and two touchdowns while also catching two touchdown passes plus returned a punt 84 yards for another score as the Leopards rolled past the Scotties 47-20 in an Interstate Conference game.

The outstanding performance earned Petrosky the Westmoreland Sports Network's Week 8 Player of the Week honor presented by State Farm agent Alex Hetrick in Delmont.

"We were aggressive, fast, how we usually are," Petrosky said during an appearance on Westmoreland on the Gridiron. "My line was blocking phenomenally. They were just giving me the blocks I needed to get the yards I got."

Petrosky's most electrifying moment came early in the game when he fielded a punt deep in his own territory, raced toward the sideline and reversed field before breaking free for an 84-yard score. The return was the first official punt return touchdown of his high school career.

"I ran up the sideline because I was trying to make the whole defense just come all the way over (to me)," Petrosky explained. "And then I cut back, and it worked perfectly."

The spectacular play was part of an impressive resurgence for Petrosky, who has rushed for more than 100 yards in consecutive victories over Mt. Pleasant and Southmoreland.

After struggling to find running room during a narrow 14-7 victory over Derry, Petrosky believes improved vision, agility and offensive line play have made the difference.

"My eyes have got a lot better. My agility, I've seen progress for the weeks that's been going on," he said. "My line, they're finally coming together."

The Leopards also found additional motivation following their close victory against Derry.

According to Petrosky, Belle Vernon's coaching staff took exception to comments suggesting Derry had been the more physical team. A quote attributed to Derry's coach was subsequently placed on the players' lockers before a Saturday morning workout.

"Our coaches did not like that at all because they want us the most aggressive in 3A," Petrosky said.

Belle Vernon responded with dominant performances against Mt. Pleasant and Southmoreland, positioning itself for an opportunity to capture the conference championship outright with victories over Waynesburg and Elizabeth Forward.

For Petrosky, the opportunity brings back memories of his freshman season, when the Leopards won WPIAL and PIAA titles.

"I just feel like these two weeks, it's going to be like the big game," he said. "I just love it so much."

Petrosky's passion for football began when he was approximately four or five years old. While he enjoys the competition, the relationships formed through the sport have been equally meaningful.

"I really fell in love with the game whenever I realized that it's like a brotherhood," he said.

That bond extends beyond the football field. Belle Vernon's seniors gather each Wednesday for a team dinner hosted by a player's family, a longstanding program tradition.

Petrosky also excels on the baseball diamond and hopes to continue his athletic career at the collegiate level. However, choosing between his two favorite sports could prove difficult.

"I would love to play either or. But I might want to play both in college," Petrosky said. "I don't know if I could go a year without either or."

While his college future remains undecided, Petrosky's immediate focus is on helping Belle Vernon finish the regular season strong.

"We're really going to show people who we are," Petrosky concluded.