Success on the football field for the 2012 Zephyr football team paved the way for postseason honors for a number of players.

The Zephs placed five players on the Lehigh Valley Interscholastic Conference all-star team, a direct reflection of posting eight wins and winning a share of the league title.

The league's highest honor went to quarterback Nick Shafnisky who was named the Most Valuable Player. He shared that distinction with Allentown Central Catholic running back Colin McDermott.

As the team was preparing for the upcoming season, senior QB Shafnisky wasn't sure how it would unfold.

The team was beginning the 2012 campaign with a new head coach, and it seemed the press was touting Easton Area and Parkland High Schools as the teams to beat in the LVC. It was a senior-laden team, and Shafnisky knew they had a chance to be good. They had talent, and were coming off a year in which they made it to the Eastern Conference playoffs.

For Shafnisky and the rest of his teammates, their stated goals were to win a league championship, make districts, and compete for a district crown that would ultimately catapult them into the PIAA playoffs.

Under Shafnisky's leadership, the team began its ascent up the standings. His ability to shred defenses with his arm as well as his legs, began to emerge as he posted eye-grabbing numbers. In the Emmaus game, as he was pulling away from would-be tacklers en route to his 80-yard touchdown, a voice was heard among the Green Hornet staff inside the press box, acknowledging that he was "a man among boys." That performance, as well as many others, put him into the conversation regarding who was the best player in the Lehigh Valley Conference. And when the coaches converged at the end of the season to select the best, Shafnisky's name was at the top of the list.

Even Shafnisky admitted he was a bit surprised about the getting the hardware. He knew he was in the mix as talk about his season began to intensify, so when he got the nod, he was elated.

"It was pretty cool," he said.

Shafnisky is the first player in school history to both run and pass for over 1,000 yards, according to Whitehall Athletic Director Robert Hartman. He had 1,628 yards through the air, and 1,091 on the ground. He had 14 touchdowns via the air and rushed for 19 touchdowns.

While the personal accomplishments were rewarding, his focus was always on the team. He said they were able to accomplish one of their goals in winning a league title, and while they would have liked to have advanced in the district tourney, the fact they played into overtime, fighting to the last second, said a lot about this group of players from Whitehall.

"No one wants to lose, and you want your season to continue as long as it can, but you have to look at the positives," said Shafnisky.

Shafnisky said that earning a share of the LVC crown was a great achievement, and getting five players named to the all-star team demonstrated what type of squad they had, especially from a smaller LVC school like Whitehall.

"It was pretty incredible," he said.

As Shafnisky embarks on the next phase of his football career, a path that takes him to Lehigh University, he said that what he learned from coaches Tony Trisciani and Brian Gilbert is invaluable.

"They were two great coaches who helped me in everything, in all phases of the game," said Shafnisky. "They taught me to never be down. I'm definitely going to take that with me."

For Jake Wygant, becoming a league all-star is something that's defined his last two years at Whitehall. The senior was once again named as a two-way player, earning the honor as both a guard and defensive lineman.

Wygant said the team was upset after losing to Spring Ford High School to open the season, noting they "weren't sure how our season was going to be."

That was quickly answered once they began league play and started winning, recovering after a stumble against Parkland to beat the highly touted Red Rovers.

"That really got us going," said Wygant.

It culminated in a league title, something Wygant said was part of their mission from the outset.

As for himself, Wygant was determined to surpass what he accomplished in 2011.

"I wanted it to be the best season of my career," said Wygant.

He accomplished that feat, eclipsing last year's tackle mark with 49. He also returned an interception for a touchdown and registered six sacks.

Wygant's future is still undetermined, but said he's looking at colleges and plans to play football once he makes a decision.

Senior Nick Sommer was also intent on making a mark in his last year. The wide receiver said his goal at the beginning of the year was to try and be an all-star. He understood he wasn't really known around the LVC and was focused on becoming someone defenses had to game plan for every Friday.

He burst onto the scene in a big way, hauling in 62 passes for 910 yards and seven touchdowns. He led the LVC in receptions and was a clutch receiver on third downs.

"I felt coming into the year I could make an impact," said Sommer. "I was happy to accomplish that."

Sommer said he wanted to do better than last year when he was a part-time player on offense, and emerged as one of the best receivers in the league.

Senior tackle Aaron Genevese was also named an all-star. The three-year starter was a stalwart on the offensive line, anchoring the Zephyr trench crew that allowed their offense to gain 4,203 yards.

He said that experience and leadership was an important factor coming into this season, and "led the team as best as possible."

He came into every game with the same desire, making sure he was fully committed to doing his best.

"It was about playing my heart out and doing everything I could to help my team win," said Genevese.

Genevese was informed by his coach that he received the most votes for a player at his position in the league, a testament to his skill and tenacity.

As for what lies next, Genevese said wants to attend college to play football and study sports medicine.

Finally, junior Ryan Bonshak was also recognized on defense. The free safety led the team in tackles, dropping opponents 73 times this year. He also had two interceptions, and broke up a number of passes.

After completing a solid sophomore season, Bonshak also wanted to assume a greater leadership role.

"Becoming a junior, the leadership role was a big part of my goal this year," said Bonshak. "Every day at practice, I was focused on getting the guys up."

Bonshak said that being aggressive on the field, both in the run game, as well as a threat in the passing game, set the stage for his all-star season. He was a player who could run with the big receivers, and also knock a bruising running back for a loss. He said he knew he had to be physical this year, and that part pf his game helped him to elevate his game.

"All that helps in the run and passing game," said Bonshak.