Blue Chip Chat returns
Sean FitzSimmons I Central Valley I OL-DL
As part of the run-up to high school football season, the Post-Gazette again offers Q&As with the top area players.
(First in a preseason series on top high school football players in the area.)
THE SCOOP
Considered one of the top defensive linemen in the state, FitzSimmons is looking to help Central Valley repeat as PIAA Class 3A champions. A two-time all-state selection and rare four-year starter, he had 112 tackles, including 36 for loss, and 18 sacks last season. His brother, Bret, is a junior who will start at outside linebacker.
COLLEGE TALK
FitzSimmons is the latest standout defensive lineman from Western Pennsylvania to pick Pitt. He committed to the Panthers in April. His other Power Five offers were Syracuse, Duke and Wake Forest. Playing college football is in his blood. His dad, George, played at Indiana State; his grandfather, Jim FitzSimmons, at UTEP; and his other grandfather, Chuck Pinchotti, at Penn State and then IUP.
OUR QUESTIONS, HIS ANSWERS
How special was it to win a PIAA title last season? Unbelievable. Just being the first team to do it makes it more special. People can win it again, but there will never be another first.
You live in Monaca. If the Monaca players on the team played the Central players, who wins? Obviously Monaca. I think we have the guys to do it.
Team not on your schedule that you wish you could play? Probably Thomas Jefferson. We lost to them my freshman and sophomore years. I’m 0-2 against them, so it would be good to get a win.
Player on your team who you think will have a breakout season? My brother Bret. He’d been playing behind some really good players. He’s in a starting role now, and I think he’ll show everyone what he can do.
You have two brothers. Both have also played football. Have there been some physical wrestling matches and backyard football games at home? For sure. We would fight all the time when we were younger. Playing backyard football, when someone makes a catch, they get in your face.
I hear you used to be a big WWE fan. Favorite wrestlers? My favorite was CM Punk. I liked Brock Lesnar, too. If you were a wrestler, what song would you come out to? I’d probably go with someone from Pittsburgh. There’s a guy who comes out to Machine Gun Kelly, since they’re both from Cleveland. I’d probably come out to Wiz Khalifa.
AND FINALLY …
Favorite all-time Pitt player? Aaron Donald, pictured at left. What will Pitt’s record be this season? I always think they’ll go undefeated because that’s my team. I hope they do that, but I’ll say 9-3.
And then win an ACC championship, too? Absolutely.
— Brad Everett