Gaithersburg Coach Weigns in on Penn State Scandal

The Penn State sex abuse scandal has made national headlines but Gaithersburg head coach Kreg Kephart has been anxiously following the story with interest since one of his former players, Sean Stanley, happens to play in the Penn State football program.

Stanley has registered 22 tackles including six tackles for a loss this season. He’s also recorded four sacks and an interception.

Stanley, a junior defensive end, was an all-state performer at Gaithersburg where he graduated in 2009. During his senior campaign, Stanley recorded 78 tackles, 12 sacks and forced five fumbles for the Trojans. During his career at Gaithersburg, Stanley registered 27 sacks and more than 70 tackles for a loss. He was rated among the top high school players in the state by various recruiting websites and played in the Maryland Crab Bowl all-star game following his senior campaign.

Stanley was recruited by numerous Division I college football programs but opted for Penn State. He was lured to State College by longtime Nittany Lions assistant coach and former Maryland high school coach Larry Johnson.

Kephart said he’s reached out to both Johnson and Stanley in the wake of the scandal that has rocked the nation.

“I’ve texted Sean, I’ve texted Larry and they both pretty much they’re not really saying a whole lot right now just trying to focus on Nebraska,” said Kephart.

Penn State plays host to Nebraska on Saturday in a game that will undoubtedly be an emotional contest for the Nittany Lions faithful.

In an attempt to show support for the victims of child abuse and to raise awareness for the cause, fans attending the game have been encouraged to wear blue. Donations will also be accepted inside Beaver Stadium with proceeds benefitting the organizations Prevent Child Abuse Pennsylvania and the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape.

“It’s a tremendous tragedy and I’m waiting to see how the truth is known once everything unfolds and I just hope that the guys who are in the program that got nothing to do with that situation can persevere and go on, play some ball and get their education and not get caught up in it. It’s a tragedy,” said Kephart.