In a win over BR-129 Edinboro on September 19, BR-99 East Stroudsburg receiver Jon Schnaars made a big impact caught nine passes for 200 yards and two touchdowns, aiding the final score of 56-12 in the PSAC match up.
For his efforts, Schnaars was voted the D2 football Offensive HERO of the Week. I talked with him this week, and I learned that there is much more to him than just football. Check out the interview:
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HERO: Congrats on being named the HERO of the Week! Walk us through that game, when did you know you were having a big game?
Schnaars: Thank you! We got off to a slow start so I wanted to try and make an impact anyway I could. I didn’t even know that I had 200 yards until a reporter told me after the game. Everyone on my team was just as excited as I was because they knew all the hard work I put in during the off-season.
What match up are you most looking forward to this season? Who do you feel has the toughest match up for your position?
I believe our toughest match up will be either West Chester or Bloom because that game could very well decide who wins PSAC East this year. Honestly, I do not know who the biggest threat is for me, but both of those teams were picked ahead of us in the pre-season and they always have solid teams, and for me it’s a good test because they also have great defenses.
Pick a teammate and a dream vacation to go on together.
I would definitely have to bring my QB Matt Soltes. Our brotherhood goes way beyond the average QB-WR connection because we both started school here at the same time and have been great friends throughout. It’s always a blast with Matt and honestly anywhere we go we would be sure to have the time of our lives.
Favorite team bonding activity?
My favorite one has to be what we call “fatman football”. It’s a ritual we do on Friday’s before a game where the linemen get to throw on gloves and have a mini 7 on 7 game being quarterbacks, etc. It’s great to see the big guys that make everything possible happen for us get a chance to be in the spotlight and make some great catches.
Do you have any pre-game rituals?
I need to listen to Eminem before I leave the locker room and I always wear my crucifix and kiss it 2 times after the team prayer for my grandparents that passed away.
Off the football field what do you like to do?
Off the field I enjoy listening to music and playing video games. I get pretty into FIFA and it causes some drama in the house when my teammates and I play it.
After football what are your plans?
I want to see how far I can go with football. It has always been my goal to play as long as I can, even though the chances are slim. If that does not work out I am applying to law schools for next fall and want to become a sports agent.
Would you rather play a game with a broken hand or broken rib?
I have played with a broken bone in my hand and although I never had a broken rib, I have played with bruised ribs and that was a nightmare. I would definitely have to go with the broken hand.
Any guilty pleasures?
If I see a dog, the whole football player mentality goes out the window and I have to pet it. That brings a lot of weird looks my way. Other than that, I like to watch Pitch Perfect any time it’s on TV and like the movie so much that I recite the lines as the movie goes on.
Favorite home cooked meal, and who makes it?
Steak and pasta! As an athlete it recharges you better then anything and my parents can make a pretty mean steak. They are Italian so what can’t they make taste good?
Favorite sports movie?
Friday Night Lights without a doubt. The pump up speech Preacher gives at halftime of the state game gives me chills to this day.
Favorite TV show?
I watch Family Guy every night before I go to sleep and have probably seen every episode at least 5 times.
Favorite holiday?
Thanksgiving because you are with your whole family and it’s all about good food and watching football.
Would you rather give up pizza or steak for the rest of your life?
I could give up pizza, but there is no way I could ever give up steak. That’s an easy choice for me.
What’s something interesting about you that most people wouldn’t know?
I can throw a football in a perfect spiral behind my back 45 yards on target, which is better than I can do sometimes throwing it forward. Don’t ask me why because it’s a useless talent but turns heads when I do it.
Predict who will win the D2 national championship this year.
Ferris State in my book.
