Class AAAA
The Gateway Gators could have easily gone into the tank
after failing to live up to the lofty expectations that were placed on them as
they opened the season with a hard fought loss to Ohio power Cardinal Mooney.
Credit to head coach Terry Smith as he got his team refocused and they haven't
looked back as they have reeled off nine consecutive wins.
The Gators opened the playoffs against an over matched
Penn-Trafford squad. The Gators won decisively by a 45-14 score and ran their
record to (9-1). four-star prospect Cameron Saddler ran for 270 yards and 3
touchdowns on 33 carries. Leon Green scored three times as well. Green had two
via the ground and also had a 99-yard pick six..
Pittsburgh Central Catholic (10-0) continued to roll after
they destroyed Plum 45-0. The Vikings held Plum to -44 yards on the ground and
had six sacks. Dan Vaughan scored twice on a 49-yard run and a 9-yard pass from
Louisville pledge Tino Sunseri. Sunseri also hooked up with Quentin Williams for
a touchdown.
Akron recruit Marvase Byrd scored on an 80-yard run and a
52-yard fumble recovery as McKeesport defeated North Hills 28-7. The Tigers ran
their record to (9-1).
A very young Penn Hills squad defeated Canon-McMillan 27-13
to run their record to (6-4). Junior tailback teddy Blakeman had 116 yards and
two touchdowns on 20 carries and Top 100 junior linebacker Dan Mason had
double-digit tackles for Penn Hills. Canon-McMillan was led by super-sophomore
Mike Hull a Penn State legacy as he ground out 188 yards and two scores on 24
carries.
When the new state rankings come out later this month one
name that fans will see soar into the top 30 will be Mike Shanahan. The talented
Norwin wide receiver continued his mastery of his opponents with 7 catches for
71 yards and a touchdown. He also blocked a field goal for the Knights who won
29-14 over Woodland Hills.
Seneca Valley junior quarterback C.J. Brown completed 20 of
33 passes for 219 yards and a touchdown. Brown also threw three picks and ran
for a score as the Raiders suffered a 31-20 loss at the hands of Bethel-Park.
Class AAA
Montour continued their storybook season as they moved to
(10-0) by defeating Ringgold 35-14. The Spartans were led by Michigan recruit
Christian Wilson who carried 26 times for 168 yards and scored four times.
Montour will face Trinity in the quarterfinals in a game that will feature three
Big Ten commits Wilson, Andrew Sweat and Mike Yancich.
Trinity (7-3) beat Mt. Pleasant 43-16 behind the power
running attack led by Penn State pledge Mike Yancich. Yancich carried 18 times
for 125 yards and two scores.
Class AA
Defending Class A champion Jeannette cruised to a 49-7 win
over Seton-LaSalle. The Jayhawks improved to (10-0) on the season. Terrelle Pryor ran for 157 yards on 9 carries and scored two times. He completed all
three of his pass attempts for 82 yards and a touchdown. Talented junior Jordan Hall accounted for three touchdowns. He scored twice on the ground and one via
the air. The Jayhawks have outscored their opponents by a 562-38 margin this
season.
Beaver Falls soundly defeated Greensburg Central Catholic
by a 35-14 score. Scout.com Top 100 junior Todd Thomas ran for 106 yards on 11
carries and scored a touchdown, as he was mostly used as a decoy.
Class A
No. 1 seed Clairton manhandled North Catholic as the Bears
rolled 48-0. Zaire Washington had 27 carries for 175 yards and two touchdowns.
Pitt recruit Manny Williams carried three times for 157 yards and two scores.
The Bears (9-1) held North Catholic to 89 yards of total offense.