Southmoreland senior Dawson Wolfe isn’t afraid of contact. In fact, the Scotties quarterback and linebacker prefers it.

“I’ve always been a physical runner,” Wolfe said. “I really enjoy running people over and just making the contact.”

That physical style was on full display Friday as Wolfe rushed for 121 yards and four touchdowns while throwing for more than 100 yards in Southmoreland’s thrilling 42-34 victory over Greensburg Salem.

The performance earned Wolfe Week 4 Westmoreland Sports Network Player of the Week honors presented by State Farm Agent Alex Hetrick in Delmont.

More importantly, it helped Southmoreland win its Interstate Conference opener and continue a turnaround following an 0-2 start.

“That’s really huge to go 1-0, especially in our conference,” Wolfe said. “Starting off 1-0 is the best thing that we could have done.”

It certainly wasn’t easy.

Southmoreland trailed Greensburg Salem 21-7 before scoring late in the first half. At halftime, coach Dustin Shoaf challenged his players about what type of team they wanted to be.

“Coach Shoaf really talked to us in the locker room if we want to be like the same old Southmoreland from years past,” Wolfe said. “That really flipped the switch in some of our minds.”

The Scotties carried that momentum into the second half and eventually completed the comeback.

Wolfe entered his senior season bigger, stronger and considerably more comfortable at quarterback. After playing at approximately 190 pounds last season, he is now around 230. He’s also much more confident after going through his first season as Southmoreland’s starting quarterback a year ago.

“Every play I’m so confident in myself with throwing the ball, running the ball, telling people what they need to do if they have questions,” Wolfe said. “I know the playbook front and back. I took a huge step in that position.”

Wolfe has taken a step as a leader, too. After Southmoreland lost its first two games, Wolfe challenged his fellow seniors and younger teammates to decide what they wanted from the season.

“Do you guys want to be a winning team this year for your last year, or do you just want to keep losing?” Wolfe recalled asking.

“I think that really sparked (us). Our practices just shot up, and everybody just brought energy.”

Southmoreland responded with consecutive victories over Uniontown and Greensburg Salem.

Wolfe has also found success outside of football. He began competing in the shot put last winter, won a section championship and advanced to the state meet. He hopes to play football in college and is interested in studying physical therapy or exercise science.

For now, his attention is on helping the Scotties continue their surge. Southmoreland faces conference favorite Elizabeth Forward on Friday at Russ Grimm Field.

“We just have to take it play by play and limit the little mistakes,” Wolfe explained. “Just keep making plays and enjoying the moment.”