High school football Q&A with Penn-Trafford’s Dimitri George

By: Bill Beckner Jr.
Wednesday, August 22, 2018 | 7:18 PM

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Senior Dimitri George is Penn-Trafford’s top returning pass-catcher. He grabbed 30 receptions for 406 yards and three touchdowns last season as the Warriors finished as the runner-up in WPIAL Class 5A.

But George also led the Warriors on the defensive side of the ball, pulling in six interceptions from his defensive back post.

George (5-9, 175) again is looking to make a significant impact, whether he’s trying to cross the goal line or defend it.

“He is dynamic athlete who plays with a lot of urgency,” Warriors coach John Ruane said. “Some of his best plays are, last second, rip the ball out, gets the hands up, make an interception on defense. He has worked really hard on his route-running. He is really precise. He can become a really good two-way player for us.”

College interest is trickling in for George. Akron, Shippensburg and IUP have invited George to games this season.

He talked leadership, Norwin week, Chinese food and more in the season-opening Westmoreland Q&A.

You are one of the top returning seniors. What did you take from last season’s run to the finals that you can apply this season?

It showed me what it takes to make it to the finals. It showed me the amount of focus and commitment you need each week and making every game the biggest game of the year. It also showed me you have to play for each other to be successful.

You had a rapport with quarterback Cam Laffoon last year as the go-to receiver. How have the two new QBs looked, and how was chemistry been with them in 7-on-7s and the scrimmage?

The new QBs have been working hard and getting better each day. We have been working with them all winter and summer, so the chemistry between both of them are great to the point where it doesn’t matter which one gets put in. They trust us and we trust them to do the right thing and lead our offense.

How intense can the Norwin/Penn-Trafford rivalry get?

The rivalry has been going on for a long time, and each time we play them it gets more intense. Both teams hate to lose to each other and both love the bragging rights. There’s always a little more motivation when we play each other.

Any good stories from the summer?

Winning the 7-on-7 tournament at Latrobe and the team going to the New City Buffet after.

What jumps out at you from Norwin on the scouting report?

They’re a really athletic team with a bunch of players that can step up for them.

Strength of this year’s Warriors’ team?

Some people think our youth is a weakness, but I look at it as a strength because we have a bunch of young players ready to show what they can do … they’re working really hard to get that opportunity.

Is there a wide receiver or defensive back in the NFL you try to emulate?

At wide receiver, Emmanuel Sanders because he’s not the biggest guy but he runs hard, crisp routes and always finds himself open. At defensive back, Brent Grimes because he also isn’t a big guy, but he’s so good at positioning himself on the receiver when the ball is in the air.

Last concert you went to?

Drake and Future.

Best nickname on the team?

Colton Pikovsky. We call him Pancake and Wizard.

It wouldn’t be high school football season at Penn-Trafford without …?

Being the underdog.

Bill Beckner is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Bill at bbeckner@tribweb.com or via Twitter @BillBeckner.

Bill Beckner Jr. is a TribLive reporter covering local sports in Westmoreland County. He can be reached at bbeckner@triblive.com.

Tags: Penn-Trafford