Peters Township QB Nolan DiLucia Wins Willie Thrower Award

The honor recognizes the top high school quarterback in Southwestern Pennsylvania.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 3:49am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a high school football quarterback in mid-throw, with the player's body and the ball broken into overlapping planes of vibrant colors representing the energy and competitive nature of the sport.The Willie Thrower Award honors the top high school quarterback in Southwestern Pennsylvania, with Peters Township's Nolan DiLucia earning the prestigious honor.New Kensington Today

Nolan DiLucia, the quarterback for Peters Township High School, was awarded the Willie Thrower Award on Saturday at a luncheon in New Kensington, Pennsylvania. The award is given annually to the top high school quarterback in the Southwestern Pennsylvania region, as selected by a panel of 69 voters.

Why it matters

The Willie Thrower Award is a prestigious honor for high school quarterbacks in the region, recognizing their athletic talent, leadership, and contributions to their teams. DiLucia's win highlights the strength of the Peters Township football program and the competitive nature of high school football in Southwestern Pennsylvania.

The details

DiLucia was selected for the Willie Thrower Award by a panel of 69 voters at the annual luncheon held in New Kensington. The award is named after Willie Thrower, who was the first African American quarterback to play in the NFL when he made an appearance for the Chicago Bears in 1953.

  • The Willie Thrower Award luncheon took place on Saturday, March 29, 2026.
  • Nolan DiLucia was announced as the winner of the 2026 Willie Thrower Award at the luncheon.

The players

Nolan DiLucia

The quarterback for the Peters Township High School football team.

Willie Thrower

The first African American quarterback to play in the NFL, making an appearance for the Chicago Bears in 1953.

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What they’re saying

“Nolan has been a tremendous leader for our team and we're proud to see him recognized with this prestigious award.”

— Peters Township Head Coach

What’s next

DiLucia will be honored at the Peters Township High School football banquet later this spring.

The takeaway

DiLucia's Willie Thrower Award win showcases the strength of the Peters Township football program and the competitive level of high school football in Southwestern Pennsylvania.