NAME: Paul Gallagher
SCHOOL: Abington Heights
LAST SEASON: 2010
POSITIONS: RB/LB/LS
Abington Heights’ success in the early part of the decade was propelled by a dominant running game and Paul Gallagher was the center piece of that success. As a senior captain, Gallagher led the Comets to a league and district championship while rushing for 1,409 yards and 18 touchdowns. He rushed for 1,919 yards his junior season. For his career, he rushed for 4,067 yards and 52 touchdowns. Gallagher became the school’s all-time leading rusher in a game against Bethlehem Catholic in 2010. On defense, he had 286 career tackles, 27 tackles for loss, 9.5 sacks, 4 fumble recoveries, 1 force fumble and 2 interceptions. He scored two defensive touchdowns.
Gallagher was named an 2010 NPF Lackawanna Football Conference Division I first-team running back and second-team linebacker. He was named a fourth-team all-state running back by the Pennsylvania Football News in 2010 and a second-team all-state running back in 2009. Gallagher was named an honorable mention running back by EasternPaFootball.com in both 2009 and 2010. He was a member of the WNEP Dream Team and continued his football career at Division II Mercyhurst University where he played running back,
Abington Heights coach Joe Repshis on Gallagher: “Paul was a versatile athlete and an extremely talented football player. He was a downhill running back who had outstanding balance and vision. As a linebacker, he was very active and had a knack for getting to the football. He was invaluable as the long snapper on the punt team. He was an impact player who made his presence known week in and week out on offense, defense, and special teams.”
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