NAME: Ray Melnikoff
SCHOOL: Lackawanna Trail
LAST SEASON: 2020
POSITIONS: FB/LB/PK
Ray Melnikoff has already led Lackawanna Trail to one of the most successful runs in recent Lackawanna Football Conference history and he still has one more year to add to that legacy. Melnikoff was the leading rusher for the past two seasons where the Lions went to the state championship in his sophomore year in 2018 and then back to the state semifinals in his junior year in 2019. He was also integral in making the best-two year span in school history by winning 24 total games. Melnikoff has rushed for 3,147 career yards and 37 touchdowns Not only is he a force on offense, he is equally as dominant on the defensive side of the ball where he has been a starter for three years at the linebacker position and already has amassed over 100 tackles.. Melnikoff has kicked and punted for Trail as well.
Melnikoff was named NPF 2019 Lackawanna Football Conference Division IV Offense Player of the Year as well as a first-team fullback and first-team linebacker in the division. He was also was first-team fullback and linebacker in 2018. Melnikoff was also named an All-District 2 fullback both seasons. He was named an all-state running back by the Pennsylvania Football Writers in both 2018 and 2019 and a first-team all-state fullback by the Pennsylvania Football News in both seasons. Melnikoff was also named first-team running back by EasternPAFootball.com in both his junior and senior seasons. He was also named to the WNEP Dream Team in 2019.
Lackawanna Trail coach Steve Jervis on Melnikoff: “In the wing-T offense, having a pounder at fullback is critical. Over the years, we have been blessed to have many talented and physical players at that position. Ray has made a name for himself in Trail football history to say the least. He has great balance and leg drive which makes him very difficult to bring down. The bigger the game the more that he rises to the occasion. He is a prime time player that always seems to make a play when the team needs it. He is a very humble kid who truly loves playing the game. He is a throwback type of player that is an absolute pleasure to coach. ”
