Westmoreland County football Q&A: Derry’s Justin Flack

By: HSSN Staff
Wednesday, November 14, 2018 | 6:24 PM

Justin Flack saw the pass rush, saw teammate Dom DeLuca hurry North Catholic quarterback Zack Rocco into a panicked throw, and made his move.

Acting on instinct and charged by pure adrenaline, Flack jumped the route, intercepted the errant pass and turned it into perhaps the greatest play in Derry football history.

Flack, a running back and safety, had the pick-6 of a lifetime last Friday, taking the turnover back 30 yards for the winning points in an electrifying, 36-29 win in the WPIAL semifinals that sent Derry (11-1) on its way to Heinz Field to play for the Class 3A championship.

Flack weaved around and through would-be tacklers from North Catholic, cut back and somehow stayed in bounds along the near sideline, and rumbled into the end zone at Hempfield to cap a 21-point fourth quarter and a torrid comeback victory.

Derry coach Tim Sweeney said Flack is one of the most quiet and humble players on the team. The 5-foot-9, 170-pound senior who is quick to deflect attention to his teammates, though, seems to have amped-up speakers with his play on the field. He plays the game full-blast loud.

“He is what you’d expect from a Derry kid,” Sweeney said. “He puts the team first. That’s just who he is.”

Derry has been giving opponents Flack all season.

He has rushed for 1,165 yards and scored 35 touchdowns — in a number of ways.

Flack had an eight-touchdown game against Yough, scoring six via rush, another on an 88-yard kick return and another on an interception return.

In advance of Derry’s first WPIAL finals appearance, Flack took some time for this week’s Westmoreland high school football Q&A.

How many times have you watched the replay of your interception return?

A couple of times. I slowed it down. Our blocking was really impressive. Dom pressured the quarterback like he usually does.

Did you see that play developing?

Their QB had thrown a pass to (No.) 41 earlier in the game, and that was the play again. I just read it and jumped it well.

What will it take to beat Aliquippa (11-1) and bring the WPIAL championship home to Derry?

Our best effort. We have to learn a lot from film study. I’m still kind of at a loss for words about us getting there.

You always praise your linemen up front after games. A championship notwithstanding, what will be their reward?

I don’t know, maybe I’ll take them to dinner. Maybe New City Buffet. They can really eat.

You mentioned your grandfather (Jim Melago) was ill in the offseason and how much he means to you?

Yes. He had several surgeries over the summer due to heart problems. They had to take veins out of his leg. He was in the hospital for three months. He is 70-some years old and amazing. He’s doing well. He was cutting his grass again and stuff. He gives me motivation. If I am having a tough time with something, I just think of him. I am playing this season for him.

Will he be at Heinz Field?

Oh yes, for sure. He wouldn’t miss it.

Why are you so soft-spoken and humble?

I don’t like to be cocky, and I don’t like the attention. I just go about my business.

Derry has a throng of fans that fill Trojan Stadium for home games. Will that same support follow you to the final?

No doubt in my mind they’ll be there. They came out to Hempfield in the rain and cold. We have the best community support anywhere.

What was the deal with the motorcycles lined up outside the Derry locker room for the team’s pregame walk to the field?

After we lost to Elizabeth Forward, coach Sweeney said we had to get back on our motorcycles. They surprised us the next week with actual motorcycles. I want to ride one now.

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

Tags: Derry Area