WPIAL Plays of the Week – Week One 2015

By: Bruce Markey
Tuesday, September 8, 2015 | 4:46 PM

After months of anticipation, the high school football season returned on Friday night in the WPIAL. The slate of games was not short on marquee action, as a few conference favorites were upset, and several other games came down to the closing moments. Here’s the top plays for the initial installment of the 2015 campaign.

1. Mount Pleasant 30, McGuffey 23 (OT)

The Interstate Conference foes had a dramatic clash in the season opener for the second consecutive year, and just like 2014, the Vikings came out on top. After the contest was sent to overtime, Mount Pleasant scored on its first possession to take the lead, but the Vikings’ defense needed to stop the Highlanders to secure the victory. Mount Pleasant senior Jake Adamrovich did just that when he intercepted the McGuffey pass attempt in the endzone.

WLSW-FM 103.9’s TJ DiStefano and Aaron Wills have the call:

2. Ringgold 27, Thomas Jefferson 20

Thomas Jefferson has reigned supreme in its conference nearly every season for more than a decade, and the Jaguars appeared to have the talent to do so again in 2015. Ringgold had its own ideas, though, as the Rams knocked off the Jaguars to open Big Ten Conference play. After Chacar Berry scored three times, the Rams were clinging to a one-point lead late in the contest. Brendan Small’s touchdown run proved to be the dagger, though, as the Rams sealed the win.

MSA Sports Paul Paterra and Lou Rood bring you the action:

3. Armstrong 33, Hollidaysburg 14

The first football game in Armstrong history was a successful one, as the River Hawks blasted Hollidaysburg. Running back Zane Dudek turned in an impressive performance, as he rushed for more than 300 yards. He also put his name in the record books, as he scored the first touchdown in River Hawks history.

MSA Sports Matt Vandriak and Brandon Showers capture the historic moment:

4. Altoona 19, Butler 17

Although the Quad-A battle between Altoona and Butler was a non-confernce tilt, that doesn’t mean the game lacked excitement. The visiting Mountain Lions used a fourth-quarter score from receiver Daiquain Watson to take the lead en route to a two-point triumph. The win could be a big momentum boost for Altoona, which hopes to return to the playoffs after an impressive 2014 campaign.

WBUT-AM 1050’s Ron Willison and Dr. Craig Lucas have the call of the game-winning touchdown pass.