Armstrong edges Kiski Area to seal WPIAL playoff berth

By: HSSN Staff
Saturday, October 27, 2018 | 12:12 AM

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Armstrong wanted to do it on its own terms.

In a driving rainstorm, on their home field, the River Hawks buckled down and did just that, rallying from a 14-7 halftime deficit to top Kiski, 24-21, at Armstrong Stadium, taking a win-and-in game from the Cavaliers.

“It’s a big thing,” Armstrong coach Frank Fabian said of clinching the playoff berth. “When we took over this program and got bumped to 5A, everyone was kind of nervous. And now, we’re in the postseason three out of four years. That’s a testament to our kids and their character.”

Not only did the River Hawks have to overcome the elements, but they also had to deal with a significant momentum swing at the end of the first half.

With the score tied at 7-7, Armstrong quarterback Jalen Price threw an out-route that Kiski linebacker Jack Colecchi jumped, intercepted and returned 100 yards, giving the Cavaliers a 14-7 lead at halftime.

“Ironically enough, that’s the third 14-point swing we’ve had right before the half this year,” Fabian said. “I should have my head examined for throwing the ball on the goal line.”

Kiski fought from the start, jumping out to a 7-0 lead early in the second quarter on a 16-yard touchdown pass from Ryne Wallace to Drew Dinunzio-Biss. Armstrong tied the game when Jalen Price found Devin Goodgasell for a 5-yard connection three drives later.

But Wallace, the WPIAL’s 12th-leading passer, went cold, completing only two of his next 12 passes, with an interception. He finished the game with 165 yards and two touchdowns through the air.

The Cavaliers struggled to establish a ground game all night, as well. Kiski had just nine rushing yards through three quarters and ended up with 45.

With just under four minutes left in the game, Kiski had run only nine plays in the second half, as Armstrong was able to control the clock with the ground game of brothers Jalen and Isaiah Price.

“We went into a single-wing package there,” Fabian added. “We’re big up front, and I think our offensive line coach just challenged some of our guys’ manhood there on the sideline.”

Armstrong cut the lead to 14-10 on a 30-yard field goal by Logan Bowser. Bowser then recovered his own onside kick. But Jalen Price fumbled the ball away just three plays later. On the next play, Wallace was intercepted by Jalen Price’s brother, Isaiah.

The River Hawks then marched 58 yards, as Isaiah Price gave Armstrong its first lead, at 17-14, on a 4-yard jaunt.

“I think one of the things that gave us a lot of life, even though we didn’t score on it, was the onside kick,” Fabian said. “Our special teams worked on it all week, so I think that was a big play, too.”

Isaiah Price ran for 46 tough yards after halftime, finishing with 59. Jalen Price ran for 89 yards and a late touchdown, while throwing for 162 yards and another score.

Despite the loss, Kiski will still get into the playoffs as the wild card team in 5A. Armstrong, however, was not willing to risk taking any chances.

“As it is, we’ll take it,” Fabian added. “I’m just proud of where the program is, and we just want to keep it moving forward.”

Josh Rowntree is a freelance writer.

Tags: Armstrong, Kiski School