Panthers' Richards heading to Albright

Panther Valley's Ryan Richards will continue his academic and football careers at Albright College.

Richards, a four-year starter for the Panthers, was recruited to play linebacker for the Lions. He started at middle linebacker since his freshman year at PV. He also was a three-year starter at fullback before switching to center his senior year.

This past season Richards was was named to numerous All-Star teams, including the TIMES NEWS All-Area team where he was a first team linebacker. Highlighting his numerous postseason accolades was a berth on the Pennsylvania Class AA All-State first team as a linebacker.

In addition to football, Richards also played two years of baseball and two years of track for the Panthers. He was also on the honor roll for four years. Richards plans to major in political science and history at Albright.

"Ryan is one of the best overall football players I have ever coached," said Panther Valley coach Frank Damian. "Not only is he extremely talented, but he is hard worker and a great leader.

"Albright is getting a great football player who I believe will really help them at the linebacker position."

@Breif.Head:Panther Valley's Lawrence picks Albright

Casey Lawrence will attend Albright College in the fall to continue his academic and football careers.

Lawrence capped an outstanding football career at Panther Valley this fall. A two-way contributor throughout his high school career, Lawrence was a four-year starter at defensive back. Offensively, he played wide receiver as a freshman before quarterbacking the Panthers the past three seasons.

Lawrence was selected the TIMES NEWS' All-Area team's first string quarterback this season. He was also named to both the All-Anthracite and All Schuylkill County teams the past two seasons.

In addition to football, Lawrence played four years of baseball and two years of basketball at Panther Valley. He will major in education at Albright.

"Casey is an outstanding athlete and a tremendous leader both on and off the field," said Panther Valley coach Frank Damian. "Casey is such a multi-talented athlete that I'm sure he could play numerous positions at the next level.

"Albright is recruiting him to play quarterback and I expect him to have the type of college success at the position that he had at the high school level."