West Liberty quarterback Zach Amedro says winning the Harlon Hill Trophy was so far off his radar when the season began that he couldn't have seen it with a high-powered NASA telescope. Not that the Moundsville native doesn't strive to be the best, it's just that he's so darn unassuming.

Last week in Florence, Ala., site of the NCAA Division II National Championship game, Amedro was one of the three finalists for the award, which is the division's version of the Heisman Trophy. Though he finished a close second to North Alabama running back Joique Bell, the seed had already been planted for 2010.

''I was the only junior of the three and (dignitaries) told me they hope to see me back next year,'' Amedro said. ''I said I hope so, and hopefully this time I can bring my whole team with me and we'll be playing in the game.''

As it was, Amedro was flanked by his parents, Jim and Mary, as well as brothers, Matt and Chris. Accompanying the family were West Liberty coach Roger Waialae and his wife, Karen.

''It was fun; there were a lot of things for us to do,'' Amedro said. '' They took us around to a lot of different places and some nice restaurants.

''Shannon Sharpe was getting inducted into the (D-II) Hall of Fame and we got to meet him, which was cool.''

But Amedro isn't stopping there, and if he has anything to say about it neither are the Hilltoppers. With certain success comes certain expectations, and the playoffs, right or wrong, are now expected.

''We'll have a target on our back for sure,'' he said. ''Our goals have to be set high. We don't want to do what we did this year.

''We want to win the regional and go farther.''

The offseason is only about a month old. But early indications are that the Hilltoppers are still hungry.

''What I like about our team is, a week after the season was over our weight room was open and we had almost the whole team in there,'' Amedro said.

And that included him. That shoulder injury that plagued Amedro in the national quarterfinal loss to California, Pa., has healed.

Barring any unfortunate injuries, Amedro will put nearly every school and conference passing record so far out of sight that you won't be able to find them with a high-powered NASA telescope.

So what about after college? NFL, perhaps?

''That would definitely be a dream come true,'' he said. ''All is I can do is work hard and try my best.

''Whatever happens, happens."

Part of Something Special II

It was brought to our attention that Shadyside graduate Clint Wiley won't be the only Ohio Valley native with a chance to collect a National Championship ring this weekend.

When Villanova plays top-ranked Montana on Friday in the FCS title game in Chattanooga, TN, former Wheeling Central receiver Nick Hurley will be there.

A freshman for the Wildcats, Hurley was an All-Valley first-teamer last season and second-team all-state.

Congratulations and good luck to both men.

Old Face in New Place

Former Wheeling Nailers coach Glenn Patrick in faring quite well in his first season as head coach of Wyoming Seminary, a prep school just across the Susquehanna River from Wilkes-Barre in northeastern Pennsylvania. Thus far, the Blue Knights are 8-1 and have a No. 4 ranking in one Web site's national independent prep school poll.

Shawn Rine can be reached via e-mail at Rine@theintelligencer.net.