Westmoreland County football Q&A with Latrobe’s Jason Armstrong

By: HSSN Staff
Wednesday, September 20, 2017 | 7:51 PM

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Excuse Jason Armstrong if he is occasionally winded on Friday nights. It’s not that he is out of shape; quite the contrary there.

It’s just that the Latrobe senior is busy during games — really busy — playing quarterback, where he runs and throws, and lining up at linebacker where he often is the first to take down a ball carrier.

And don’t forget special teams. Armstrong also is leg-strong. He punts, too.

“I am kind of used to it by now,” said Armstrong, a 6-foot-2, 220-pounder who was the backup QB last season. “I just want to do what is best for the team. Every week it’s getting easier and easier.”

Armstrong had a game to remember last week as the Wildcats (2-2, 1-1) made it two wins in a row for the first time since their quarterback was 12.

He completed 10 of 20 passes for a career-best 246 yards and two touchdowns, one on a fake punt, rushed for another score, and returned an interception 33 yards for another TD in a 37-21 win at Kiski Area.

“We felt he could handle it well, no reservations,” Latrobe coach Jason Marucco said of Armstrong taking the QB duties from graduate Austin Butler. “We knew what he was capable of, and he had some snaps last year in the wildcat.

“What’s great is that we can run him and we can flip the field with him (when he punts).”

For the season, Armstrong is 49 of 87 for 673 yards and four TDs; he has 150 yards rushing and two scores; he has 19 tackles; and he is averaging 35 yards a punt.

Division II Seton Hill and Millersville have offered scholarships to Armstrong as an H-back.

“Jay-Bo,” as he has been called since the seventh grade, took some time for this week’s Q&A:

How do you feel you’ve handled your first year as the starting QB?

Well, I think. I need to get better at calling out pass-protection to linemen and learn to stay in the pocket. I have a tendency to leave too quickly.

There seems to be a pretty positive vibe around the team?

Yes. Everyone is hyped up right now. We have all been putting in the hard work, and it’s showing.

The team has dedicated the season to injured senior lineman Zach Yesho?

Yes, we’re all rallying around him. He got the game ball after the Chartiers Valley game.

Did you help out when the Steelers practiced at Latrobe’s Rossi Field?

We took some fences down during camp. Then we sat on the field and watched (practice).

Can’t-miss TV show?

“Family Guy.”

Best place to eat in Latrobe?

Dino’s, without a doubt.

How many wings can you eat there; what’s the best flavor?

It depends how hungry I am. Sometimes 20, sometimes six. I go with the hot.

Did you ever beat Austin Butler one-on-one in basketball?

No. I might get a 3-pointer up on him but driving to the hoop? No way.

What is something about you nobody knows?

I like to sing in the shower. I try to keep it low so my family doesn’t hear.

What did you sing lately?

“Cheerleader,” by OMI or “Rock Star,” by Post Malone.

Any good hobbies?

I like to hit golf balls at Har-Tee’s range in Greensburg. Sometimes I try a Happy Gilmore. I hit it pretty far, I got to say.

You get to go against some friends from Penn-Trafford on Friday night in lineman Logan Hawkins and receiver Jake Prady. Will there be trash-talking?

We’ll probably text each other, yeah. We played (youth) baseball together. Logan is hilarious. It’s all friendly.

Bill Beckner Jr. is a Tribune-Review staff writer. Reach him at bbeckner@tribweb.com or via Twitter @BillBeckner.

Tags: Latrobe