Wednesday, January 2, 2013

APB, Where are they now? Brian Mangiafico

In the storied history of Greater Johnstown football, Brian Mangiafico stands out as one of the greats to play the quarterback position.

Mangiafico, dubbed "The Magic Man" guided the Trojans offense in the early 1990s and enjoyed a record-setting and heralded varsity career. He completed 268 passes for a school-record 4,030 yards, which was later surpassed by Gervon Simon. As a senior, he even led Johnstown in rushing with 835 yards. Keep in mind, at the time, quarterbacks weren't asked to run frequently and Mangiafico's rushing numbers are a testament to his athleticism.

How good was Mangiafico? Well, he earned Associated Press Big School (Class AAAA-AAA) Player of the Year honors in 1991 and was named to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Fab 22 - one of only two players in Johnstown history to earn that distinction. The reason being Johnstown competed in the WPIAL at the time of Mangiafico's career. He was also the Point Stadium Award Winner in 1991.

Coached by Jerry Davitch, Greater Johnstown reached the WPIAL Class AAA semifinals in 1991 before a 45-7 loss to Hopewell ended the Trojans' season. Mangiafico was intercepted four times in the game, but Hopewell also rushed for 315 yards.

Mangiafico was so good, he fielded Division I offers from everywhere and was a USC recruit. Mangiafico ended up at Saddleback College.

The Varsity Club has issued an All Points Bulletin for Mangiafico. Anyone knowing Mangiafico's is urged to contact The Varsity Club.

2 comments:

  1. Mike, I believe that loss to Hopewell in 1990. I think in 91 Johnstown lost a heartbreaker to Montur in the semis at the Point.

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  2. I'll have to look that up again Dan. Thanks.

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