ATHLETE OF THE YEAR: NICK GALLO, SCHALMONT

Schalmont football coach Joe Whipple surmised something needed to be different about his Sabres' offense in 2014. It revolved around the ability to throw the football with senior quarterback Nick Gallo.

Schalmont's running attack helped the team advance to the state Class B title game in 2013. Enhancing Gallo's throwing skills as Schalmont's quarterback elevated the offense to new heights in 2014, which helped the Sabres win the program's fifth Section II title in six years and advance to another state final appearance.

"Coach said he needed a spark," Gallo said. "I tried to be one."

Gallo completed 69 of 118 passes for 1,214 yards and 12 touchdowns to go along with 1,220 yards rushing and 29 touchdowns. Those numbers easily could have been much more gaudy had Gallo stayed on the field longer as the Sabres (school-record 727 points scored) often built monstrous first-half leads.

"Nick really made plays. He did," Whipple said. "I wanted more from him this season and he gave it to us."

"This year was something special. These are kids I have been playing football with since I was 6 years old," Gallo said.

Gallo credited the help he received from senior teammates Anthony Yezzo and Dalton Cooke regarding his development as a quarterback.

"If I didn't have the help of those two guys, we wouldn't have gone anywhere as close as we did," Gallo said.

FIRST TEAM

Center

Andrew Hewitt, Sr., Schalmont: Delivering the snap is always important, especially when considering the Sabres operate in the pistol set, and Hewitt came through in a big way in earning Reinfurt Division first-team status.

Guard

Matt Capovani, Sr., Schalmont: A potent two-way force, Capovani proved to be a handful and was a major reason the team scored 727 points on its way to the state Class B final.

Robert Thivierge, Sr., Schuylerville: One of only two starters not returning in 2015, Thivierge earned first-team West Division honors as a true catalyst in the Black Horses' vaunted rushing attack.

Tackle

Adam Dahl, Sr., Holy Trinity: A first-team Class C Central Division all-star, Dahl played for the North squad at the Exceptional Seniors game.

Logan Hoyt, Sr., Hoosick Falls: A first-team Class C North Division all-star, Hoyt excelled on both sides of the ball for the Section II champions.

Tight end

Brendan Maloney, Sr., Holy Trinity: Also an excellent defensive player, Maloney showcased his skills vs. Whitehall when he hauled in 10 passes for 184 yards and one touchdown in a 23-20 win.

Quarterback

Nick Gallo, Sr., Schalmont: The Reinfurt Division Player of the Year was the Times Union Defensive Player of the Year in 2013.

Running back

Chase DeLossantos, Sr., Mechanicville: In his fourth varsity season, DeLossantos wanted to be known for his offensive exploits — and rushing for a school-record 2,109 yards and 21 touchdowns certainly qualifies.

Hunter Gac, Sr., Schalmont: The Reinfurt Division Offensive Player of the Year ran for 1,442 yards and 26 touchdowns, plus led Section II with 202 points.

Shelton Alston, Sr., Cohoes: Also a first-team selection in 2013, Alston led the Tigers with 1,405 yards and 17 touchdowns.

Wide receiver

Cam Ives, Sr., Fonda: A first-team Class C South Division selection, Ives hauled in 36 passes for 467 yards and eight touchdowns.

Shane Parry, Sr., Voorheesville: A first-year varsity player, Parry caught 25 passes for 579 yards and nine touchdowns (including five in the Class C quarterfinals against Mechanicville).

All-purpose

Pat Hart, Sr., Fonda: The Braves' all-time leading rusher gained 1,246 yards on the ground and 333 yards receiving — combining for 22 touchdowns — in his third varsity season.

Kicker

Justin Rohrwasser, Sr., Holy Trinity: The team's quarterback was potent on kickoffs and delivered field goals covering 31, 34, 29, 35, 33 and 37 yards (a game-winner against Whitehall).