Dallastown’s Michael Scott talks about James Madison’s senior season commitment ahead of the playoff game in Harrisburg

A nickname like “Joystick” is not given lightly. It’s deserved. And Dallastown’s Michael Scott has earned that nickname.

• Sign up for PennLive’s daily high school sports newsletter

The all-in-one offensive weapon says he first started adopting the name during 7-on-7 ball, thanks to his tendency to drop defenders, and sharing the name with one of his favorite players ever , former Kansas City Chiefs kick returner Dante Hall. .

But that ability to play big hasn’t been limited to offseason competition, as Scott has continued to establish himself as one of the top weapons in District 3. The senior put together a standout final campaign in a year that defined his future. destination and advance to the first playoff of his career.

“It was really great because these seniors have been together since little league days,” Scott said. “So just building this bond and connection that we already had really helped us play as a team.”

“We have always had talent. Even last year we had talent, but we just weren’t really fully connected. We were a bit young. This year we were adults. We understood defensively and offensively how to play as a team. And when we started doing that, we started winning games.”

Scott’s Wildcats are 9-1 this year as he continued to shine on both sides of the ball, rushing for 633 yards and 10 scores, recording 288 receiving yards and two more touchdowns and picking off four passes on defense.

It wasn’t a completely stress-free fall for Scott, however. After committing to Arizona State in June, the three-star recruit struggled with his commitment and ultimately decided he needed to stay closer to home and find a program that fit him.

The 6-foot-1, 166-pound athlete says he’s accomplished that now, committing to James Madison in October.

“I prayed about that for months,” Scott said. “I didn’t just make a spontaneous decision. I prayed about it and talked to my mom and my coaches, and I felt like quitting was the best option for me, especially since I didn’t really want to be that far from home.

“So a school like James Madison was perfect because it was not too far and not too close. Good academics, a great football team, a winning program. I love everything about JMU.”

He hopes to be the next in a line of recent Division I talent from York, including York High’s Jaheim White (West Virginia), Central York’s Juelz Goff (Pitt) and his former teammate, Pitt wide receiver Kenny Johnson.

“When (Johnson) comes home, we always work, go to the field and get better, go to the gym,” Scott said of Johnson. “So he always gives me some knowledge to learn and know about going to college, and I feel like that will be helpful.”

Unlike Johnson, however, Scott has faced prejudice against his height. It took him longer to get the attention of Division I coaches, despite feeling like he was performing well in camp.

“I definitely play with a chip on my shoulder,” Scott said. “Even though I was recognized, I always felt like I was underestimated. I would go to camps and cover five-star receivers and five-star defenders. I feel like recruiting and stars and all that is just politics.

“I know I have three stars now, but to be honest they gave me three stars because I committed to it. I feel like those things don’t matter.”

Scott will go up against some other star recruits on Saturday as he heads into the biggest game of his high school life when he heads to Severance Field to take on a Harrisburg team he is more than familiar with.

Scott is closely linked to Cougars stars Elias Coke, Messiah Mickens, D’Antae Sheffey, Kevin Brown and Mikal Shank. But with his first chance to play against those friends, he’s ready to compete.

“It’ll be fun,” Scott said. “There is so much talent on the field. And I feel like York is starting to get the recognition that I think we deserve.”

“I have a feeling this is going to be one of the better games in District 3.”

Thank you for visiting PennLive. Quality local journalism has never been more important. We need your support. Not yet a subscriber? Please consider support our work.