2026 PFN Player Profile: John Cerny IV-WR/LB-Albert Gallatin
Tagged under: District 7, News, Player Previews
Cody Brady | June 13, 2026
John Cerny IV
Albert Gallatin
Class Of 2027
WR/LB
Jersey #15
5’9” 165lbs
Bench – 225, Squat – 405, Deadlift – 370, Power Clean – 185
Twitter/X @john_cerny4
Why do you play football?
I play football because I love the challenge of playing the sport along with the competition. Most of all I love the life long lessons and friendships that are made through the sport.
Who is your favorite sports star and WHY?
My favorite sports star is Tom Brady for many reasons. I relate my football journey to his through the adversity and challenges he faced. How he shows that work ethic always beats talent and you have to get up in the morning ready to work for your dreams to come true. He has inspired me through how he leads his teams to his motivational speeches that I listen to before every game that I play.
Do you have a favorite play you remember the most? Explain:
My favorite play that I remember the most when looking back on my football career so far is my opening kickoff fumble recovery from last year’s season against Allegany which was one of if not the biggest game of our season. That play gave our team a huge boost and two plays later we opened the scoring with a rushing touchdown.
What was last years season like for you?
Last year’s season was really special for me. It was my first season starting at Wide Receiver and my team had a record of 10-0 which brought a new culture to our team for many years to come.
What are your goals for this coming season?
I have many goals set for myself for this upcoming season. I want to play well enough to receive an offer from a college program to continue my football career after high school which has been a lifelong goal of mine. I also want to become a team captain and become the guy in the locker room that every one of my teammates knows that he will give everything he has to see his team succeed.
Who is the best player you ever lined up against?
The best player I lined up against so far has been a cornerback from Connellsville. He was very shifty and quick which made for a good matchup that night.
What game, yours, college or pro, was your favorite game you watched and why?
My favorite football game that I have watched was 2023 Colorado vs TCU. It was a very intense game that came down to the wire. Both offenses were matching each other blow for bow and the defenses had to step up and make spectacular plays which happened when Travis Hunter made an incredible diving intercept which helped Colorado pull out the win 45-42.
Describe what the perfect teammate is
The perfect teammate to me is someone that is always there by your side to help you push through the tough times but also keeps you motivated.
Tell everyone why you think football is good for a community
Football brings a community together in more ways than just football. It shows the love and respect a community has for each other along with the spirit within that community.
Name one thing that you’d love to do in football that may never happen?
The one thing I would love to do in football that may never happen is win a state championship. However, I believe that my team has to potential to make that dream a reality.
Who is your mentor, the person you want to be like? WHY?
My mentor is my dad. He is always there by my side and always helps me be the best man and football player I can be. He played linebacker in high school and earned a scholarship for wrestling to Cal U.
What is your favorite practice drill? What is your least favorite practice drill?
My favorite practice drill is box drill for route running. My least favorite practice drill is ladder drill.
Preseason Two a Days are:
A time when a team comes together as one unit, sharpening their skills and bond for the season.
Is there anyone in your family, besides your parents, you could consider your biggest fan? Who, Why?
I have a lot of family that I can consider my biggest fans. My Aunt Laura and Uncle Chuck, Aunt Carol and Uncle Sam, along with my Uncle Dan and Aunt Melody are very supportive of me.
When you aren’t playing, practicing or training for sports, what is your go to activity and why?
My go to activity is hunting and fishing because I love to be outdoors and my family comes from a long line of hunters and fishermen.
What is your favorite play to run?
My favorite play to run is whatever play helps us win the game. Whether that is running a flood concept or a zone dive run. I am willing to run any play that helps us succeed.
is a hot dog a sandwich? If not, then why?
A hot dog is a sandwich because it is between two pieces of bread and has similarities to a sandwich.
Music of choice:
Country
Best thing you ever got from a teammate? Why?
The best thing that I ever got from a teammate was my first year playing wide receiver, a senior wide receiver I looked up to gave me a compliment on my play and work ethic which gave me a lot of confidence moving forward.
Best Pizza topping?
Pepperoni
What is your favorite vacation destination?
Campgrounds
Do you remember what the first football game you saw was?
The first football game that I remember watching was Kansas State vs West Virginia when I was very young. I remember it well because my Uncle Dan and his family were over visiting us which doesn’t happen often since he lives down in central Virginia.
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