Football: Harriton’s Pat Stewart Main Line Boys Athlete of the Week

A junior quarterback, Stewart broke the Central League single-season passing yardage mark, finishing the season with 2,754 yards. The record stood for 24 years – the previous record-holder was Dennis Decker of Ridley. Stewart is the grandson of Lower Merion Football Hall of Famer Charlie Friel, who starred for the Aces back in the 1950s.

Q: What does it mean to you to be the record-holder for Central League passing yards in a season, particularly a 24-year-old record that was held by a Ridley quarterback?

A: It’s a special feat to accomplish in my career. I am honored to think that my name will now go along side of this record. The fact that the record was held previously for 24 years is crazy. Hopefully I’ll be able to look back 24 years from now and my record will still be there. But I would’ve never been able to accomplish this feat without my teammates, my line blocking and my receivers catching my throws were a big part in me accomplishing this.

Q: What play from this Harriton football season was most memorable to you – can you tell us a little about that play, and your role in it?

A: My favorite play was in the most memorable game of the season in the comeback win vs. Penncrest. It was a great comeback win. We were backed up all the way on the one yard line, the score was tied and it was third down. We had a run played called but I saw one-on-one coverage to the outside against my receiver, Jack Veasy. I gave a signal to Jack to do a hitch and go. He did it and he was wide open but I led him a little too much and he dove out for the ball and made an amazing catch. We ended up scoring that drive and took the lead into halftime. That catch had to be most memorable play of the season because it was at such crucial part of the game.

Q: You wore No. 7 for the Harriton football team this fall — is there a particular reason you picked that number — does it have any special significance for you?

A: I wore No. 7 because my brother David, who was a football player for Harriton and graduated last year, wore it before me at Harriton. He is one of my mentors in football and lacrosse field on and off the field. I loved playing with him. He taught me a lot about the toughness required to be a good football player. I had to wear No. 7 this year to keep the tradition alive.

Q: Your grandfather, Charlie Friel, was inducted into the Lower Merion Football Hall of Fame this fall, prior to your team’s game against Lower Merion. What is your most vivid memory of that day? What do you think has been the most important piece of advice your grandfather has given you regarding football?

A: The most vivid memory from that day had to be that my whole entire family was there to support my grandfather and at the same time cheer me on against Lower Merion. It was a very special day but also ironic that I played against his school the day he got inducted. My grandfather is one of my role models and he has taught me a lot about football and life. The most important piece of advice my grandfather has given regarding football is he tells me that, when I step on the field, to think that I am the best player out there. Also he tells me you can beat anyone on any given night, no matter how strong or fast they are. As long as you know you’re the best player out there, you can beat anyone.

Q: What colleges are among your current favorites? What do you think you’d like to major in? Is there a career path that currently interests you?

A: I am hearing from a lot different schools for the opportunity to play either football or lacrosse. For lacrosse I am aiming to go low DI or DIII. For football I am aiming to go DI or DII. I will play the sport in college which either one presents the best opportunity for me. I don’t know what I want to major in yet but I want to do something involving math and science.

Q: Do you participate in any extracurricular activities at Harriton outside of football and lacrosse? What sparked your interest in these activities?

A: I am a freshman mentor. I help guide the freshman at my school. I was interested because I like leading and helping the Harriton community. I also am in Future Business Leaders of America Club and I am also in Stock Club because they fields interest me and I might want to do something with them later on in life. I also do a lot of community service. I have coached both in the PVJSA Youth basketball league and the Ashbee youth lacrosse league. It is fun to be around young athletes and see the excitement they have playing sports.

Pat Stewart’s favorites

Book: Friday Night Lights.

Author: Mike Lupica.

TV show: How I Met Your Mother and The League.

Pre-game pump-up song: Public Service Announcement by Jay Z; and Bleed it Out by Linkin Park.

Athlete: Kobe Bryant.

Teams: Philadelphia Eagles and Villanova basketball.

Place to visit: “The Shore, specifically Ocean City.’

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