BY KYLE LOVERN
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN
NAUGATUCK, W.Va. — As a sophomore, Tug Valley’s Bryson Elia did about everything but sell popcorn at halftime for the program.
He was named to the Class A First Team All-State team as a defensive back. However, with the versatility Elia has shown, he could have very well been placed on the offensive side. The speedy running back put up big numbers on offense last year. He was then switched to quarterback after an injury to then-freshman Preston May, who was forced out for the season.
Elia could very well lineup as a wide receiver.
On defense, Elia has the good eyesight and intuition to make him one of the best safeties around. By the way, he is also the punter for the Panthers.
The footballer finished the 2023 season with 1,250 yards rushing on 170 attempts and 19 touchdowns. He hauled in 25 passes for 445 yards and six more touchdowns. He was one of the best in the state with 25 total touchdowns for the season. Throw in some 2-point conversions, and Elia tallied 162 points. He also had five interceptions on defense and several tackles and pass breakups.
The accolades keep coming for the shifty running back. This summer he was picked as one of the top returning Class A players in the Mountain State.
“It feels amazing to get recognition in a smaller area that sometimes gets overlooked, so it feels great to be seen with honors where it doesn’t happen too often,” a modest Elia said.
He knows that, with his success, the team will likely win more games and make it back to the playoffs in 2024. The Panthers made it to the postseason last year, hosting their first-ever playoff game at Naugatuck and winning that contest to advance.
“I think to make it further toward that state championship, we will have to bring high intensity to the field no matter what the circumstance is, and we have to capitalize on preventing small mistakes from happening so that our game can run smoothly,” Elia added about the team’s potential.
Elia loves being on the field, whether on offense or defense. He enjoys playing on both sides of the football.
“For me, I am very torn between running back and defensive back. I love playing both sides of the ball and honestly, if I had to pick one position to play for the rest of my career, it would be whatever the coach needed from me to succeed,” Elia stressed.
No doubt this is something that college scouts would like to hear from a talented athlete. Elia was also an integral part of the state championship Tug Valley basketball team last March.
He feels that the Panthers can make some noise this season. They hit the weight room and had a good offseason training program, whether it was with the team or individual workouts on their own.
“My teammates and I definitely pushed ourselves in the offseason, and I think that helps us create a better bond together. That helps us to continue to get stronger and faster, which only helps us get closer to a state championship,” Elia added.
A state title would be a first-ever for Tug Valley High School. He wants to help lead the team to that goal.
As for the future, Elia hopes he can play at the next level. If he continues to perform at the level he did last year, there is no doubt college coaches will eventually come calling.
“I would love to continue my career on the football field in college. Football is something that I really enjoy and is extremely important to me, and I want it to be something that I’m able to continue doing after high school,” said Elia.
He loves the support of the fans and his family, and that drives him to work harder.
“As far as support goes, I am extremely blessed with a family that strives in sports,” remarked Elia. “My dad and my brother were both great athletes and succeeded in their careers, and that is something that drives me to be great. Also, I can’t forget about my mom – she’s been along through the whole ride and a number of other family members who are constantly giving me motivation and support in my career. My coaches are constantly pushing my teammates and I. They make sure we are constantly doing our best each and every play. They support us along the way and make sure we know that if anyone wants us to win, it’s them.
“To speak about the fans, everyone knows there isn’t another community that supports their team like ours does,” Elia concluded. “Our fans are constantly encouraging us. They sacrifice themselves to go wherever it may be, just so we can feel well supported. That is an amazing feeling knowing that your fans always have your back.”
Through his success and talent Elia hopes to bring those fans, his coaches and the community a state football title to Tug Valley High School.