When football fans get together, one of the things the fans talk about is the current season and the accomplishments they have made. A common measuring stick since they began in 1985 (District VI playoffs) and 1988 (PIAA state playoffs) has been if the team qualifies for the post season and how far the team goes.
In addition to the present, any time some of us older fans get talking, past years of glory always pop into the conversation, comparing past teams and players with current.
At Bellwood-Antis with its rich history of football, which every team strives to emulate, the 2004 team has a special place in people’s hearts.
The PIAA Class-A All-State list was released to the public this morning. In 2004, a pair of Blue Devils were selected to the Associated Press team to continue the list of excellence at Bellwood.
Bellwood-Antis senior Derrick Hoffer was selected to the First Team Defensive Team as a defensive back and twin brother Dustin Hoffer was named to the Second Team as an offensive lineman.
Derrick Hoffer led all 24 area teams in interceptions with seven and had 14 pass breakups in addition. His assignment for any given game was to guard the team’s leading receiver and he routinely shut the wide receivers down.
“Derrick has been an outstanding defensive back for us for the past two seasons,” said Bellwood-Antis head coach John Hayes who finished his 25th year at B-A three wins short of his 200th win (197-71-2) “He has really stepped it up, the last two years, and particularly this season to become a leader. Twice, this season, we lined him up against one of the leading pass receivers in the area. On both occasions, Derrick shut his man down and in each game, he came up with an interception.
“He has really matured into a great football player and has also taken on the role of leader.”
In addition to his defensive talents, Derrick led the Blue Devils in receptions with 18 catches for 266 yards. With 21 catches for 346 yards in 2003, Hoffer becomes one of just four Blue Devils to have two 200-yard pass receptions seasons. Derrick is fourth on the all-time B-A career list with 612 yards and his 39 receptions are second to Jason Lamertina 42 (1987-88).
Dustin Hoffer, big brother at 5-10, 260, to little brother Derrick (5-8, 155) was a two-way tackle for the Blue Devils this year after missing much of 2003 with an injury that left him one armed for all intents and purposes. Dustin anchored a line that blocked for a Bellwood-Antis team that won 11 straight games between a season-opening loss to Tyrone and a season-ending defeat to Camp Hill, as the first District VI representative to play in an Eastern semifinal. That team rushed for 2,500 yards and passed for over 1,000 yards.
“Dustin has his struggles last year, but this season, he progressed into a real fine blocker,” said coach Hayes. “Our forte, as everyone knows is our running attack. Dustin blocked on the line and then was able numerous times to hustle down field to provide more blocks for our running backs.”
The Hoffer twins’ grandfather Delbert “Mike” Hoffer was one of the Blue Devils first All-State honorees, when he was selected First Team All-State following his senior season in 1950, in which he led Bellwood-Antis to an undefeated 11-0 campaign.
“Both Derrick and Dustin became outstanding leaders, in the locker room and on and off the field,” said Hayes. “They both are very deserving of the accolades they have received.
Derrick Hoffer was also selected to the All-ICC and Mountain Athletic Football Conference, Blair Country and Regional All-Star teams as a defensive back. Dustin Hoffer was named to the ICC and MAFC First Teams and the Blair County Second Team.
Other area All-State selections to the Class-A teams include Trey Rogers (linebacker) and Trey McClain (defensive back) of Mount Union, Chris Kline (Specialist) of Bishop Carroll on the first team and P. J. Keith (running back) of Moshannon Valley, Sven Mross (kicker) and Corey Lightner (defensive back) of Juniata Valley, and Paul Forcellini (specialist) of Bishop Carroll made the Second Team.
Class-A state champ Southern Columbia had four First Team selections and one Second Team choice, while Camp Hill, which sidelined the Blue Devils had three first team and one second team picks.
