Hopewell's Rushel Shell Sets New WPIAL Rushing Record

by Jeff Fisher
Pennsylvania High School Football Huddle

Rushel Shell is the new owner of the WPIAL's all-time rushing record.

Shell rushed for 205 yards Friday night in Hopewell's 27-20 win over Mt. Lebanon giving him 7,718 yards for his career.  Shell, who has rushed for at least 100 yards in 33 consecutive games, broke the old record of 7,646 yards set by Mike Vernillo of Fort Cherry from 1996 to 1999.

Vernillo was on-hand to watch the record breaking night, as was NFL Hall of Famer and Hopewell alum Tony Doresett.

With at least six regular season games left, Shell now sets his sights on the all-time state record of 9,027 yards set by Jeremiah Young of Steelton-Highspire set from 2004 to 2007.

Serra Catholic Hopes To Ground Steelton-Highspire Running Back in Pennsylvania 1A Championship

It will be a battle of ground game on Friday when Serra Catholic (15-0) takes on Steelton-Highspire (12-3) for the Pennsylvania Class A high school football championship in Hershey.

Serra, the WPIAL champ, features three runners that have topped the 1,000 yard mark this season. Steel-High on the other has junior running back Jeremiah Young who has gained 3,052 yards himself!

To read a preview of the game, click here.