PENN HILLS, Pa. — Penn Hills star and University of Pittsburgh commit Julian Dugger has been putting on a show as the quarterback of the Indians for the better part of his high school career. Friday’s matchup with Bethel Park was not any different as Dugger accounted for three touchdowns in the 28-12 victory as he rushed for two scores and threw a 54-yard pass for the third.
“It was a great game,” said Dugger to PSN following the game. “[Bethel Park] got some great coaches and schemes. I made an early mistake and tried to put it behind me, and our team stuck together and got a good win.”
As he mentioned, Dugger’s night was not without conflict though as he threw an early pick-six that allowed the Black Hawks to gain some life in the first half. Thanks to some timely offensive plays and a stifling defense, the Indians rolled past the Black Hawks without much adversity after that mistake.
“I tried to really put it behind me and look at the next play,” said Dugger. “It was tough, but it was what I had to do for my team for us to go forward and win the game.”
Now, with the remaining schedule of the Indians including top-tier talent such as Pittsburgh Central Catholic and old-time rivals like Woodland Hills, the victory over a talented yet struggling Bethel Park will still go a long way for this Penn Hills team.
“It is always good to [get] a win,” said Dugger. “Try to get momentum so we can go into the [bulk of the schedule] with good momentum and to keep carrying that on.”
Dugger committed to Pitt back in the summer and even with the Panthers’ recent struggles, Dugger is happily a part of Pat Narduzzi’s next recruiting class and is proud to be a “hometown hero.”
“It’s home,” Dugger said about Pitt. “All of the coaches love me; they text me every day. It just feels like a family relationship, everything is here [for me.] The relationship is good, it is great.”
With Pitt’s recent struggles at quarterback and Dugger being the only player of that position committed for 2024, he may find himself a shortcut into Pitt’s future plans sooner rather than later. Before that, he would like to clean up the “little” things with his game and mechanics.
“My footwork, getting the ball out on time, just everything,” said Dugger about what he wants to improve in his game. The little details.”
Before Dugger reaches Oakland next fall, he will try to guide the Indians to championship levels throughout the remainder of his senior season.
Can we get him in tonight?
H2P!!!
This guy is never going to play for Pitt