Patterson Mill grad Alston runs well for Juniata College

Deonte Alston, a Juniata College freshman and 2012 Patterson Mill graduate, rushed for 150 yards and a touchdown on 17 carries in his first collegiate start Saturday. Alston electrified the home crowd with runs of 26, 33 and 57 yards in an exciting 45-38 showdown loss against Franklin & Marshall.

Used sparingly in Juniata's first three games, Alston entered Saturday's contest against Franklin & Marshall with five carries for eight yards, but was inserted into the lineup to give a spark to the Eagles rushing attack. It didn't take Alston long to make an impact, breaking outside with a lightning quick move for a 26-yard run on his second carry that helped set up Juniata's first score of the contest. The Patterson Mill 1,000-yard rusher also caught a pass and returned a punt.

Alston is not the only local prospect on Juniata's roster. John Carroll's Luke Navin (LB) and Bel Air's Jeff Martindale (DL), join Alston in the talented freshman class at the central Pennsylvania liberal arts college. Head Coach Tim Launtz is keeping his eye on other local talent. "Harford and Baltimore counties produce top notch student athletes and the type of young men we are looking for," Launtz said. The Juniata roster includes 10 players from Maryland.

Alston will try for a repeat performance this Saturday at noon when he and his teammates meet Division III powerhouse Johns Hopkins in Baltimore. Game time is noon.

(Story submitted by Mick Navin)