Western Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic League

 
Palko led his team to three WPIAL Class AAA football titles and a PIAA title in 2001, which made history as West Allegheny became the first WPIAL AAA team to win a PIAA Championship. A four-year starter at quarterback and defensive back, he was a three-time Post Gazette Player of the Year. In 2001, he was named a USA Today All American, the AP Pennsylvania Big School Player of the Year, and played in the prestigious US Army All-American Bowl. After being heavily recruited, he played at the University of Pittsburgh and amassed 8,343 yards with 66 touchdown passes ranking him as one of the top three passers in Pitt football history. In one game against Notre Dame, he threw five TD passes becoming the first ever visiting team player to do so against the Irish. Following his collegiate career, Palko played for several seasons in the NFL.