Senior Drake Clayton has been known for his prowess on the defensive side of the football at Greater Latrobe, getting many snaps at linebacker in his high school career. But on Friday night, Clayton made his presence felt on the offensive side of the ball, too.

Clayton rushed for 211 yards on 16 carries, including an 85-yard touchdown run, in a last-second 31-28 loss at Norwin. Despite being on the wrong end of the final score, he was happy with the way his team ran the ball.

"I think our line blocked very well," Clayton said of the performance Friday. "Going into the game, we knew what plays we wanted to run and repped them a lot in practice. I saw where I was going to go with the ball and knew what I wanted to do and I think that helped with our success on the ground."

Clayton may of been the ringleader but he had help in the backfield as Kyle Brewer ran for 70 yards and scored three total touchdowns for Greater Latrobe. Bobby Fetter got off to a solid start to the game, throwing a touchdown pass to Brewer to put the Wildcats in front 7-0 in the first quarter. But Fetter injured his shoulder in the second quarter, giving way to backup Brayden Reott. It's not known if Fetter will play this week against Kiski Area.

"I think Reott will be able to step up," Clayton said. "Him and Bobby have been working together all summer and he got a lot of reps all summer. Bobby has also been working with him a lot this week. We are all going to rally around him and I think he will be just fine."

Greater Latrobe was in a prime position to defeat Class 6A Norwin with less than five minutes remaining in the game. Tied 21-21, Clayton busted an 85-yard touchdown run down the left sideline to put the Wildcats ahead 28-21. But the Knights scored the game-tying touchdown two minutes later then, after a Greater Latrobe three-and-out, kicked the game-winning field goal with under 10 seconds on the clock.

"We've practiced with a lot more intensity this week with defensive heavy practices," Clayton responded when asked how the team is trying to shore up things on that side of the ball. "We've talked a lot after practice, had meetings after practice and watched more film."

The loss didn't shake the confidence of the team, according to Clayton, as he believes they can make a run at a WPIAL playoff spot in Class 5A.

"I definitely think this team has what it takes to make the playoffs. In my opinion, this is one of the best teams to come through. We just have a lot of chemistry this year, we've been playing with each other since midgets. Everyone comes to practice and works hard. We all want it really bad."

The Wildcats, who shut out rival Derry Area in week one 61-0, look to bounce back against non-conference foe Kiski Area on Friday at Memorial Stadium.

"We expect an experienced team that wants to be physical that's going to come in this week with an edge," Clayton said of the 2-0 Cavaliers. They are off to a good start so we know they are going to come hard this week."

WSN Quick Six Questions

WSN: What do you enjoy most about playing football?

Drake: Definitely playing with everyone. We're all very close and I'm glad that I am able to go out on the field and have fun with them.

WSN: What are some of the things you do off the football field?

Drake: I enjoy going fishing. Me and my family go out fishing on the weekends. I also enjoy going mini golfing and going to the driving range with my friends.

WSN: Who is your favorite professional athlete?

Drake: Marshawn Lynch. I just like the way he runs the ball, he's a very physical runner. That's what I try to model my game after.

WSN: What is your favorite sports movie?

Drake: The Blindside.

WSN: What topping do you usually get on a pizza?

Drake: Pepperoni and bacon.

WSN: Who has had the biggest influence on you in your life?

Drake: Definitely my parents. They are always here for me and always inspire me to do better. I know I can always count on them even in midgets when my dad used to coach me. He always pushed me to be better.