Gorman: Clairton star shows class amid chaos

HERSHEY — The Clairton sideline was in chaos as Bears coaches tried to corral a couple of out-of-control players while consoling those who were crying.

A melee marred the final minute of Bishop Guilfoyle's 19-18 victory over Clairton in the PIAA Class A championship game Friday afternoon at Hersheypark Stadium.

After one Clairton defender started a scuffle by crossing into the offensive huddle, another ran onto the field and threw his helmet at a foe. It was an ugly display by a team long known for being the biggest winners who showed signs of being sore losers.

The behavior of the Bears, who set state records with a 66-game winning streak from 2009-13 and for single-season scoring this fall, put a stain on this state title game.

“That few seconds of passion and emotion does not define their season by any means,” Bishop Guilfoyle coach Justin Wheeler said.

Maybe not, but PIAA executive director Bob Lombardi refused to allow Clairton to participate in the traditional postgame handshake.

“Unsportsmanlike acts like you saw,” Lombardi said, “will not be tolerated.”

It caused the Clairton City School District to issue an apology for the incident in the “hope our students learn from this experience and move forward positively.”

One Clairton player already has. Engulfed in Bishop Guilfoyle's celebration was Lamont Wade, shaking hands and sharing hugs.

The Clairton star, a 15-year-old sophomore, wasn't walking off the field without congratulating the Marauders on their first state title.

“That meant a lot,” Bishop Guilfoyle running back Sam McCloskey said. “That kid showed so much character and great class.”

Quarterback Ryan Williams and receiver Jamie Hines, who connected on the fourth-down pass that was ruled out of the end zone with 47 seconds left, joined Wade in congratulating Bishop Guilfoyle.

“My mindset was to show respect,” Williams said. “When we beat other teams, they shook our hands. Our identity is beyond football.

“People already have that (negative) impression of us, so for us to act that way is not a good reflection of our team, our program or our coach.”

Wade's actions were a reflection of how he was raised by his parents and grandparents, why he responded to a crushing loss with a grace lacking in many of his teammates.

“Whatever happens, regardless of the situation, I want to be remembered as a young man with class,” Wade said. “That's what I'm about. You have to give respect to earn respect.”

It was an homage to Wade's late grandfather, Charles Wade, for whom he had dedicated his sophomore season.

A 1941 Clairton graduate, Charles Wade had the distinction of being the oldest Bears alumnus before his death in August 2013, only days before Lamont began football camp for his freshman season.

Lamont wanted to honor his grandfather, so he switched jerseys from No. 10 to the No. 38 worn by Charles Wade.

“I feel like he's with me every day,” Wade said. “Having his number on my back helped me all year. It means a lot to me. Representing the Wade family is what I want to do, to make a good name for my family.”

Lamont Wade did both the name and number proud.

He rushed for 212 yards and a touchdown on 35 carries and caught four passes for 86 yards and another score against Bishop Guilfoyle.

His 61-yard catch came against double coverage and gave the Bears their first lead. His 64-yard run saw Wade sidestep one defender and stiff-arm another on his way to the end zone.

“He's an incredible back with great vision and speed,” Wheeler said. “He's a great player with a great future.”

Along the way, Wade broke the WPIAL single-season rushing record of 2,740 yards, set by Hopewell's Rushel Shell in 2009. Wade finished with 2,762 yards, but it seemed hollow under the circumstances.

“I can't feel that right now,” Wade said. “This loss just hit me hard. I just want to win, for my city, for my team. I play my heart out every game.”

That Wade was heartbroken and choking back tears after the crushing defeat didn't stop him from making a show of class amid chaos, at a time when Clairton needed it most.

Kevin Gorman is a staff writer for Trib Total Media. Reach him at kgorman@tribweb.com or via Twitter @KGorman_Trib.