No team in Montgomery County has a multipurpose weapon as dangerous as Northwest senior Joe Lefeged. Ask Jaguars coach Randy Trivers to compare Lefeged to one of his former players, Salim Koroma, and a knowing smile spreads across the face.
Trivers’ countenance reflects sweet memories of 2004, when Koroma — now a return man at Villanova — did a little bit of everything in helping Northwest win the Class 3A state championship. Those at Quince Orchard last Friday night have reason to believe Lefeged and the 2006 Jaguars have a similar destiny.
Taking snaps at quarterback, wide receiver and tailback, Lefeged carried eight times for 106 yards, including 43 for the game-clinching touchdown. At his outside linebacker slot, Lefeged registered 10 tackles, including four for no gain as Northwest stuffed QO, 19-7.
“He’s the best player in the county. He’s the best player we’ll see all year. He’s unbelievable,” said QO coach Dave Mencarini. “They did a great job of using him in various spots where they needed him.”
On virtually any other team, Lefeged would be the primary weapon. But with all the talent at his disposal, Trivers can afford to use Lefeged as a wild card. On the Jaguars’ first snap last Friday night, Lefeged took a snap from center, raced 16 yards around right end, then jogged to the sideline as starting quarterback Josh Volpe, who has 20 touchdown passes this season, entered.
“He’s dynamic. It’s fun when you have players who can turn a three-yard gain into a 50-yard gain,” said Trivers. “We’ve always tried to fit the system to the players.”
On defense, Lefeged (6-foot-1, 195 pounds) starts at outside linebacker, but on third down, he puts his hand in the dirt and morphs into a pass rushing defensive end. He also returns kicks and punts.
“We’re just trying to mix it up and put speed on the field. I guess I’m part of that,” said Lefeged.
On the move
» Joe Lefeged has committed to Rutgers.
» Lefeged started for three seasons at Bullis, including two at QB.
» Last spring, Lefeged transferred to Good Counsel, but was thwarted by WCAC rules that require transfers to sit out a year. Lefeged transferred to Northwest in the summer.
