Nice Tuzze Article

[Captain Kangaroo]

As fullback/linebacker Joe Tuzze goes, the Lakeland Chiefs go

By Joby Fawcett TRIBUNE STAFF WRITER 11/26/2004

Just as the cramped Lakeland team bus was about to move out of the parking lot, someone noticed coach Dan Case wasn't on board yet.

Right on cue, Case climbed the steps, found a seat, and sat down.

"Hey coach," a player yelled, "we almost left without you." "That's all right if you leave me," Case retorted. "Just don't leave Number 32." Number 32 is Joe Tuzze.

The Lakeland Chiefs go nowhere without him.

A mild-mannered high school senior on the outside, Tuzze is a throwback on the inside. He terrorizes offenses with his ferocious tackling. He sends chills through defenses with his bruising running.

Throughout a remarkable Lakeland career, Tuzze has established himself as the area's finest football player. He has intimidating size at 230 pounds, to go along with freakish speed. His instincts are spot on, his desire is fierce.

Number 32 is the heart and soul of this team. He'll be the focus of Lansdale Catholic's schemes as the two teams meet tonight in the PIAA Class AA quarterfinals at 7:30 at Wissahickon High School.

"Obviously, as a player, he's had an impact," Case said. "But as an example, with his work ethic, his determination, and his character, he makes the other guys work hard. He's a natural leader." In fourth grade, Tuzze's legend began as a fiery player for the Junior Chiefs. Quiet and short on words, early on he showed a propensity to make game-changing plays.

That success motivated him and fueled his love for the game.

"Every year, I tried to play with a lot of heart," Tuzze said. "It always seemed like I could make some plays. I just hustle around and try to make plays.

"I remember coming up and seeing everybody during track season lifting. After eighth grade, I got serious about lifting after the coaches told me I'd be on the varsity." Only 14-years-old at the time, Tuzze took the field for the varsity Chiefs as a freshman. Starting at fullback, then only 205 pounds, he played a vital role in one of the most productive offenses in area-history.

Then, the Chiefs were led by quarterback Evan Kraky, who went on to set the state record for passing yards in a career. That season, Tuzze rumbled through defenses for 320 yards and five touchdowns and learned about character.

"I didn't think I was going to make it," Tuzze said. "I toughened up and made it through the year." The rest has been a story of dominance and destruction.

In his sophomore season, he helped lead the Chiefs to the District 2 Class AA championship. He ran the football with power, but it was on defense where he became a force.

Tracking down runners trying to go outside, or overpowering those trying to move in the middle, Tuzze earned a berth on the All-Region team and left fans wondering just how good he could be.

As a junior, his speed and strength were no match for offenses. Tuzze collected 132 solo tackles, had five interceptions and two fumble recoveries. Another All-Region berth followed and a first-team honor on The Associated Press Class AA all-state team.

All that, and he was the Times-Tribune Defensive Player of the Year for a Chiefs team that went 13-1, losing to Northern Lehigh in the PIAA semifinals.

Offensively, he ran for 1,196 yards and scored 24 touchdowns.

Naturally, recruiters swarmed to see him. At summer camps, he shocked on-lookers with 38 repetitions with 185 pounds on the bench press.

So impressed were University of Akron coaches that they offered Tuzze a scholarship.

This season, with new faces around him, the silent leader has helped the Chiefs roll to a 12-0 record. That's 46 wins in the 50 games Tuzze has started.

"It feels good when you have a guy like him lined up next to you," senior linebacker Jonathan Allegrucci said. "He's always got your back. He's always there with you. He motivates you in any way he can. If you aren't doing things right, he let's you know. He wants everybody to work like he works." That's a lot of work considering Tuzze has more than 10 tackles a game, another 1,000-yard season and 20 touchdowns. He'll end his career as the school's all-time leader in career tackles, career rushing yards and career touchdowns.

"He's really humble," backfield-mate Colin Striefsky said. "He doesn't get caught up in all the hype. He's a great leader and someone we look up to.

"It's real nice to have the best fullback leading the way. I just follow him." More accolades are in the future for this 17-year-old. For now, his focus is on Lansdale Catholic.

One thing is for sure, the bus won't be leaving without him.