Quarterback Jamie Diven fills big shoes in leading South Fayette’s offense to early success

By: HSSN Staff
Monday, September 17, 2018 | 7:51 PM

It’s been said the more things change, the more they stay the same. But change isn’t something that happens very often at South Fayette, at least as far the quarterback position is concerned.

In fact, prior to the start of the 2018 season, South Fayette only had three starting quarterbacks in the previous 11 seasons.

And those three players left an incredible legacy.

Christian Brumbaugh started for the Lions from 2007-10 and passed for 7,162 yards and 88 touchdowns. He then gave way to his brother, Brett, who passed for 7,326 yards and 85 TDs over the next four years. Drew Saxton only lined up behind center for three seasons, but outdid both Brumbaughs, passing for 7,452 yards and an incredible 94 TDs before graduating last year.

Obviously, there was going to be some big shoes to fill at South Fayette this year, and when last season ended, Lions coach Joe Rossi was unsure who would fill them. But those questions were answered when Jamie Diven, who was a backup quarterback at Class 5A power West Allegheny, transferred into the school district.

Through four games, Diven has kept South Fayette’s high-powered offense in gear. A senior, Diven has passed for 969 yards and 14 touchdowns as South Fayette has amassed a 3-1 record, 2-0 in the Northwest Eight.

“Our offense revolves around our quarterback, and we’ve had some very good ones,” Rossi said. “Jamie has come in and picked things up quickly and kept our offense rolling.”

Diven said he had a lot of help from his predecessors in picking up the intricacies of the South Fayette offense.

“Drew helped me out a lot, and Brett Brumbaugh did, too,” Diven said. “It’s been a smooth transition, but I had a lot of help. I was ready for the opportunity. The talent we have on this team made it a lot easier. I think we all expected we could do this because we have so many talented players.”

Which begs the question — is it the remarkable run of exceptional quarterbacks that have made South Fayette the WPIAL power it has become, or does the system allow the quarterbacks to excel?

“I think it’s a combination,” Rossi said. “When you look at the success we’ve had over the years, we’ve had running backs go over 1,000 yards, we’ve had some great receivers; even a guy go to the pros. We’ve had some great defenses. But, obviously, quarterback is the most important position on the field, and we’ve had some really good ones come through.”

Diven is reaping the benefit of South Fayette’s system. He burst onto the scene in Week Zero, passing for 352 yards and four touchdowns in a 34-33 loss to Upper St. Clair. That was more yards passing in one game than he threw for all of last season at West Allegheny. Since that narrow loss, which broke a 57-game regular season winning streak, South Fayette has rolled over Beaver, New Castle and Greensburg Salem.

Despite getting Diven as a senior, Rossi said his quarterback was far from a work-in-progress, having played for the legendary Bob Palko at West Allegheny.

“You could tell he was well-trained,” Rossi said. “He understood the position. But he comes from a football family. His football I.Q is tremendous.”

As for Diven, he doesn’t take for granted the fact that he’s had the opportunity to play for two of the WPIAL’s top coaches.

“Obviously coach Palko is a legend, and I think coach Rossi is just as good,” Diven said. “I’ve been fortunate to be around both of them.”

As a first-time starter as a senior, Diven said he hasn’t heard from many colleges yet. But he is hoping a continuation of his big season will put him on the radar to play college football. Following a nonconference game with Hopewell this week, South Fayette ends its season with five straight Northwest Eight Conference games, highlighted by a showdown with unbeaten Blackhawk on Sept. 28.

But Diven is content to cross each bridge as he comes to it.

“I try not to worry about anything but our next game,” Diven said. “I want our team to win a WPIAL championship and then go on from there.”

Jim Equels Jr. is a freelance writer.

Tags: South Fayette