NAME: Thor Balavage
SCHOOL: Scranton Prep
LAST SEASON: 2015
POSITIONS: DL/OL
Thor Balavage was a standout wrestler during his career at Scranton Prep. And that skill set translated over to him being one of the better lineman over the past decade. On the defensive side of the ball, Balavage was a major force his senior season helping lead the Cavaliers to the PIAA District 2 Class AAA Championship. He finished the season with 80 tackles, 8 sacks, 5 tackles for loss and he added a blocked punt on special teams. He also was a major contributor on the offensive line leading the way for over 2,500 yards team rushing including a 1,000 yard rusher.
Balavage was an NPF 2015 Lackawanna Football Conference Division I first-team defensive and offensive lineman and also first-team defensive line in 2014. He was named an NPF All-District 2 defensive lineman as well. Balavage was named an all-state defensive lineman by the Pennsylvania Football Writers and second-team all-state by the Pennsylvania Football News. He was also named an honorable mention defensive lineman by EasternPaFootball.com. He was also the 2015 Hookey Reap Award winner on defense. Balavage played in the PSFCA East-West game and continued his athletic career where he wrestled for Division 2 Newman University.
Former Scranton Prep coach Nick Donato on Balavage: “Thor anchored our offensive line from his center position during the 2014 and 2015 seasons. Midway through his junior year we moved him from tackle to end on defense and he flourished at his new position. An outstanding wrestler, his size,agility and quickness were the major contributing factors in making him the defensive Hookie Reap award winner in 2015.”
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