When safety Ryan Bonshak steps on the field, his ability to succeed reaches far beyond his physical skills.

If you were to encounter Bonshak in the hallway at Whitehall High School, his physical presence would not immediately elicit thoughts of an all-star football player. While he can deliver a hit that will knock the stuffing out of bigger players like the block he put on Parkland's Nezar Haddad in the district semifinals, his physicals talents are augmented by his preparation and experience.

And to play the game at such a high level as he does, he has to know the game inside and out, something he works at diligently so he can have an effect on the game.

"Not being the biggest guy on the field, you have to make an impact some way," said Bonshak.

That's why experience and preparation are invaluable tools for the senior who was recently named the Lehigh Valley Conference's defensive co-MVP for 2013.

He shared the award with Emmaus High School linebacker Andy Davidson

Bonshak's Most Valuable Player award comes on the heels of Nick Shafnisky's offensive honor last year, giving the Zephyrs back-to-back MVPs. It's a recognition that's rooted in a lot of sweat and sacrifice, as well as the help of teammates and coaches.

"It definitely means a lot to me," said Bonshak. "I worked hard for three years, but nothing would be possible if I didn't have the team and coaches behind me. This award, it shines on my team as well as myself."

Bonshak said he relies on the mental part of the game along with his "football instincts" to maximize his impact from the safety position.

He led the team in tackles with 79, and had seven interceptions, also a team high. On offense, he rushed for 629 yards, caught 20 passes for 206 yards, and had another 501 return yards. He was rarely off the field, those instincts helping the Zephs to an 11-2 record this season.

Bonshak was not alone in receiving postseason honors.

In fact, Whitehall placed more first team players than any other school except Parkland. Joining Bonshak was quarterback Jeff Charles, running back Saquon Barkley, guard Jacob Kerchner and tight end/defensive lineman Nick Nejad.

Barkley, the league's second-leading rusher (1,506 yards) and touchdown leader (26), made a strong case for offensive MVP which would have given the Zephs back-to-back offensive winners. However, that award went to Central Catholic center Angelo Lucci.

With all those postseason honors spread around Whitehall High School, Bonshak said much of the credit has to go to head coach Brian Gilbert and the coaching staff.

He said they have the program headed in the right direction, and even with the graduation of this senior class, he's confident they'll be vying for a league title again next year.

"All the credit goes to the coaches," said Bonshak. "We push each other in practice and that's how you succeed. It's really a close-knit group and there's a lot of players who will be ready to go next year."

Still, Bonshak's leadership played an integral part of their ability to gain a share of the LVC crown. He said he took the mantle, making sure he was the first one to step up anytime the situation called for guidance.

He said the loss to Parkland in the semis won't define their season.

"That last game won't wrap up my three-year career," said Bonshak. "We had a good season and we played hard all year."

Bonshak plans to be busy this winter as well, giving basketball a try for the first time in his varsity career. Then it's off to baseball where he would like to extend his playing career into college.

With his football career now finished, the three-year starter has built a strong legacy. He said it was an experience that will stay with him forever.

"It's that atmosphere that I'm going to miss the most," said Bonshak. "The memories that I made, it puts a smile on your face, and I'll look at all the good moments and remember them."