YORK — When it comes to York football, itīs a family affair for the Prugars.

Start with Jared Prugar, the big running back who has been doing his thing for three seasons -- gaining big yardage, scoring touchdowns and playing strong defense against Western Class B opponents. You can then add in younger brother Aaron, a sophomore who has become a force at linebacker.

Their dad, Tom Prugar, films all the action as the teamīs video man.

And before Jared and Aaron, there was older brother, Zach, a running back like Jared, who rushed for more than 1,000 yards in both his junior and senior seasons. And then thereīs younger brother, Noah, who might be interested in playing for the Wildcats in a few years.

Jared found motivation from his older brotherīs achievements and wanted to do the same when he started playing for the Wildcats. Four years later, he has added a few chapters of his own to the brothersī legacy at the school.

"Itīs good that weīve all been a part of the football program," said Jared. "But I donīt really think a lot about it."

Thatīs because the 6-foot-1, 210-pound Prugar, who Coach Randy Small says is built for running, is focused on what needs to be done for the Wildcats to keep their season going.

York (8-1) will be home against Mountain Valley (7-2) in a regional semifinal tonight.

The playoffs are what the top teams look forward to each year. With each game magnified and finesse often thrown out the window because of the weather and field conditions, itīs straight-ahead, knock īem-down physical football.

Itīs a style that suits York well.

"Itīs a great atmosphere," said Prugar. "You know coming in that youīre going to have to play hard-nosed football."

Yorkīs last two games offered a glimpse of that style. Two weeks ago the Wildcats traveled to Rumford and beat Mountain Valley, 33-14. Prugar carried 36 times for 227 yards. He had 204 yards by halftime.

"Our kids just bounced off him," said Mountain Valley Coach Jim Aylward after the loss, his teamīs first since 2007.

Last weekīs game against Wells, the Wildcatsī traditional rival, also was physical. Several players went out with injuries. Prugar suffered his before even stepping on the bus for the ride to Wells. He pulled a hamstring while catching passes in warmups at York.

"We were doing what we always do before a road game at Wells," said Small.

All of a sudden, going into a game in which York could secure a home playoff game, the Wildcats didnīt have their best player, or at least not at tailback.

"His hamstring loosened up before the game but I wasnīt going to play him at tailback," said Small.

Prugar played on defense in the first half and was used as a wide receiver in the second.

"He wanted to play offense in the second half so I put him at wide receiver. Jared caught three passes," said Small.

One of his catches was a 10-yard slant pass on fourth-and-9 that kept a drive alive that led to the winning score in the 28-22 victory.

Prugar finished the regular season with 1,182 yards and 29 touchdowns. Those statistics would be even greater had he played more. Because York was involved in so many blowouts, Prugar ended up playing only 24 of a possible 36 quarters in the regular season.

While his offensive play gets most of the attention, Prugar is also a standout on defense.

"Heīs the quarterback of our defense," said Small. "He averaged seven tackles a game during the regular season."

With a 3.8 grade-point average, Prugar is a leader in the classroom as well as on the field.

The family moved to York from Erie, Pa., when Jared was in the third grade.

His brother, Zach, who attends Penn State but isnīt on the football team, gives his younger brothers encouragement. Having been a running back, Zach knows firsthand what Jared is experiencing. Prugar said the advice from his brother is helpful even though their running styles are different.

"Iīm bigger than my brother," said Jared. "I tend to run more north and south whereas he liked to take it outside."

Prugar, who also plays basketball and runs outdoor track, isnīt sure if he wants to play football in college. His top choices are Northeastern, Ithaca, Springfield and Connecticut. Prugar is interested in studying physical therapy.

"Iīm looking at schools that have strong programs in that field," he said.

Staff Writer Tom Chard can be reached at 791-6419 or at:
tchard@pressherald.com