Skip to main content

Male Athlete of the Week: Forrest Rhyne


The weather conditions - wet and windy - were made to order for the team that could shut down the opponent's running game.

Thanks in large part to linebacker Forrest Rhyne, Waynesboro was able to do just that to Northern York, and it resulted in a 13-0 Mid Penn Colonial Division football win on Friday night.

Rhyne, the P.O. Male Athlete of the Week, piled up 10 solo tackles, five assists, a tackle for a loss and he caused a fumble.

"We used the weather in our favor," Rhyne said. "We know they like to pass, but with the weather they'd have to try to run, and we shut that down."

The Polar Bears ran the ball 37 times for 128 yards, just a 3.4 average, and the top running threat - quarterback Curtis Robison - had only 77 yards on 13 carries. He also completed only 2 of 15 passes for 33 yards.

Indian coach Steve Myers said, "I thought our defense had a great night. They were physical and shut down the run. Their quarterback was a big focus for us."

On many plays, Robison was Rhyne's target.

"We played a lot of man defense," said Rhyne, who has committed to play at Villanova. "When they went to an empty backfield, then I'd stay on the quarterback. We have good cornerbacks and when he tried to throw we didn't give him much."

Since last year, Myers said Rhyne has improved his quickness and his ability to read the game. 

"If you combine those two, he's just able to play faster and get to the ball faster," Myers said. "And he's a great leader on the field."

Rhyne (6-foot-1, 222 pounds) says his 40-yard dash time is 4.80, but he wants to lower that again this year.

"The difference is that against the teams we played last year, I have a good feeling about what they're going to do," Rhyne said. "I'm able to evaluate the film better and that enables me to react quicker on the field."

Forrest Rhyne, Waynesboro

Sport: Football

Position: Linebacker, running back

Grade: Senior

Size: 6-foot-1, 222 pounds

Parent: Laura Richardson

Interests: He likes to spend time with his three brothers.

Favorite player: Ray Lewis

Favorite team: Baltimore Ravens

Statistics: In a 13-0 win over Northern York, Rhyne made 10 solo tackles, assisted on five others, caused a fumble and made one tackle for a loss ... In five games, he has 41 solo tackles, 16 assists, nine tackles for a loss and one interception for a touchdown ... Running the ball, Rhyne has gained 152 yards on 34 carries.