This past fall, Northwestern’s football program had a record-book season in many aspects - notably advancing to the state championship game for the first time in program history.

It was a plethora of individual and team honors that truly resembled the Tigers’ overall success and level of play.

Yet, there was still one highly-regarded honor left for the program.

Tigers’ linemen Ben Walters and Bryer Reichard, running back Dalton Clymer, linebacker Shane Hulmes and defensive back Eli Zimmerman all were named to the Class 3A Pennsylvania Football Writers All-State team.

It marked the first time that five players were named to the list in school history.

The Tigers’ quintet was among 10 local players who were bestowed the honor.

Northwestern head coach Josh Snyder wasn’t totally surprised by the recent accolades. He also has the luxury of having Reichard, Hulmes, and Zimmerman back next season.

“This is a first, and it’s a great honor for them,” said Snyder. “I’m extremely proud of them, and they deserve it. We always tell them if they’re doing the right things, the wins and the accolades will come. These guys did a great job.

“The kids worked hard for 17 weeks, and it was an NFL-like grind. With something like this and our run, it sets the bar higher for us. When the other kids see this, it helps us dig in and get at it again.”