D'Andre Pickens

Steel Valley

Last week: Pickens ran for 214 yards on 23 carries (9.3 average) Friday night in a 47-13 win against Keystone Oaks, scoring a rushing touchdown in each quarter and adding a receiving touchdown as well. The win moved Steel Valley (1-0) into the fifth spot in the Post- Gazette WPIAL Class AA rankings.

Check this out: Pickens, a 5-foot-7, 180-pound running back, said he was clocked running a 4.5-second 40-meter dash this summer. He said he would run track if Steel Valley fielded the sport. Coach Rod Steele said Pickens has become a leader on the team as a senior, adding 20 pounds of muscle in the weight room this offseason and taking it upon himself to make sure his teammates come to practice and stay eligible.

* What went into your big day? We were moving good. Our wide receivers were blocking, our linemen were making holes. …