The moment came in his sophomore season after their playoff loss to Delaware Valley, a game that gnawed at him, stoking the fires that would eventually lead Saquon Barkley to rewrite the record books at Whitehall High School.

By his own admission, he didn't have a good game. He got pushed around defensively and committed a critical turnover on offense.

Barkley vowed that was never going to happen again. His fierce determination to become the best player he could be landed him among the very best to ever suit up for the maroon and gold. It also earned him a ride to Penn State where he'll be playing for the Nittany Lions in the fall.

And it all began with a stinging defeat.

"It was one of the worst games of my life," said Barkley who's now immersed in practice at State College. "It pushed me to work harder.

"I didn't want to have that feeling again and then worked hard to try and become a better player."

Barkley said he was just not physically strong enough and then worked to correct that aspect of his game. He wanted to make sure he would never be in that position again.

His resolve was reflected in the list of achievements that will forever enshrine him as one of the best football players this area has ever seen.

Barkley's senior season was awash in accomplishments, both individually and as a member of a team. He helped the football team reach the District 2-11 4A playoffs, was part of the basketball team that reached the district finals, and was an integral part of a boys track team that finished 9-2 this season.

Barkley's gridiron accomplishments earned him state-wide recognition this season, culminating in the selection as Mr. PA. Football for Classes 3A and 4A this year.

He also was honored by the Pennsylvania State House this year and was recognized for his "continuing commitment to excellence."

Barkley is also the owner of numerous school records in both football and track, the latter accomplished during his lone season as a member of the varsity track team. He holds the mark for career rushing yards (3,642), career TDs, (61), single-season rushing yards (1,851) and single-season TDs (29). He also set the school record in the 100 meters at 10.8

All that adds up to Barkley being selected as the Whitehall-Coplay Press' Male Athlete of the Year.

Barkley's first varsity touchdown came against Bethlehem Catholic during his sophomore season. It was a one-yard plunge that foreshadowed the great things to come.

He was a triple threat on the field, someone who could score in the passing game as well as special teams. In the game against Allentown Central Catholic this season, Barkley's punt return of 82 yards effectively turned the tide, helping to turn a 28-7 deficit into a thrilling 42-41 victory.

Barkley is supported by a family who now get to see him play in the Big Ten. His mom Tonya Johnson, along with his dad Alibay Barkley and siblings Rashard Johnson, Shaquona Barkley and Aliyah Barkley were all instrumental in his growth on and off the field.

"Without them, I wouldn't be the person I am today," Barkley said. "They really played a big role in supporting me."

He also had the help of a dedicated coaching staff led by head coach Brian Gilbert. Along with aiding his development as a player, they took him to camps where he began to open up some eyes.

One of the first camps was the National Under Classmen (NCU) Five-Star Showcase which he attended along with Nick Nejad. That experience highlighted where he stood among his peers.

"It woke me up a little more and showed what I needed to do to get better," said Barkley.

Then he went to the Rutgers camp along with coach Gilbert, and his workouts impressed the Rutgers coaching staff who watched Barkley run a 4.4 in the 40-yard dash.

From there he attended the Nike Camp in New Jersey and the Rivals Camp in Maryland where he won the MVP.

"All those experiences helped make me a better player," said Barkley.

All of those stops were steppingstones to his senior season that cemented his legacy. He was first-team running back in the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference, was an all-area selection as well, and a Pennsylvania 4A first-team selection to close out his outstanding year.

In basketball, Barkley emerged as a starter this season, a relentless rebounder who averaged just a shade under four points a game. His work on the glass, as well as on the defensive end in head coach Jeff Jones' match-up zone, was a key component in getting them to the finals. Jones said that no one works as hard as Barkley.

In track, Barkley wasted little time in making his mark. He competed in four events, including the 100, shot put, long jump and 4x100 relay. He quickly set the school record in the 100, clocking in at 10.8 in a tri-meet against Emmaus and Northampton.

He went on to win the EPC Championships in the 100, and then finished second in the event at the District meet which earned him a trip to Shippensburg for the PIAA Championships. He also excelled in the long jump, winning district gold with a 22-02.50 mark.

For someone who was going to compete in track to aid his football development, Barkley made the most of his opportunity, earning a spot at Shippensburg in the long jump as well as the 100.

"I'm just happy I did track," said Barkley. "it was another great experience."

Head track and field coach James Sebesta said that Barkley's talent was matched by his work ethic.

Barkley entered his senior season with the mission of leaving everything he had on the field. It also fueled his decision to play multiple sports.

"I didn't want to regret anything, and played all those sports," said Barkley. "I came into my senior season with that goal in mind. You know, you don't get that year back.

"Some of those kids I played with became my best friends. I wanted the full high school experience."

Barkley now heads to Penn State to begin the next chapter of his life. He's leaning toward a degree in business, and is excited about becoming a student-athlete in Happy Valley.

"I just want to go there, work hard, and be the best player I can be," he said.