Kiski Area beats Armstrong to clinch playoff spot

By: Bob Orkwis
Friday, October 27, 2023 | 10:48 PM

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It was a must-win situation for Kiski Area and Armstrong to claim one of the final playoff spots in the Greater Allegheny Conference. The Cavaliers were in a win-and-in situation. The Riverhawks needed a win and some help.

It turned out the Cavaliers sealed their destiny at home with a 42-34 victory over Armstrong to qualify for the WPIAL playoffs for the first time since 2019.

“I’ve never been prouder of a group of kids,” Kiski Area coach Sam Albert said after the game. “They didn’t quit from the beginning of the year. They didn’t quit and just kept getting better.”

Kiski Area scored 21 unanswered points in the second quarter.

Bart Martin caught a 56-yard touchdown pass from Carson Heinle. The senior finished with receptions for 136 yards.

Heinle added a 5-yard run before hitting Isaiah Gonzalez on a 30-yard scoring strike for a 21-0 lead.

Freshman Jaydon Oliver entered the game late in the first half for Armstrong, and he became a big factor for the Riverhawks.

He went 5 for 5 and hit Ian Olsen for a 30-yard score to pull the Riverhawks within 7 at halftime.

The Riverhawks stopped Chase Jablonski on the 1-yard line early in the third quarter, but that field position turned into a Cavaliers score.

Oliver fumbled the next snap in the end zone, and Tavian Wilson recovered the ball in the for a 28-14 lead.

Landon Kucic scored from 2 yards late in the third quarter for a 36-14 lead after Kucic ran in the 2-point conversion.

Oliver hit Olsen for a 29-yard score to pull Armstrong within 36-21.

The junior Olsen, who came into the game leading the WPIAL with 51-receptions, caught seven passes for 151 yards and a pair of scores.

Kucic’s second 2-yard score put the Cavaliers in front 42-21.

Kucic rushed for more than 100 yards for the second straight week, gaining 136 on 28 carries.

Albert had high praise for his offensive leaders.

“Carson is just a beast, and Landon ran the ball tonight tremendously well,” he said. “Our offensive line is the best we had here in awhile. I’m proud of all of the guys.”

Oliver found Joe Bartolowits for a 51-yard touchdown, and then he found Jablonski on a 7-yard touchdown with 1:54 left. But Wilson blocked the extra point for Kiski Area, and the score was 42-34.

Oliver finished 12 of 19 passing for 253-yards and three touchdowns.

Kiski Area, which recovered three onside kicks, was unable to run out the clock. Armstrong had one last drive.

Oliver was sacked before completing a pass to the Cavaliers’ 40-yard line, but his last-ditch throw was intercepted by Gonzalez as time expired.

The win improved Kiski Area to (5-5, 3-3) after the Cavaliers had one win last season.

“We don’t really care who we are going to play,” Albert said. “We’re in the playoffs, and that’s all that matters.”

Armstrong finishes at 5-5, 2-4, and the Riverhawks loss coupled with Highlands’ victory over Hampton puts the Golden Rams into the playoffs.

Tags: Armstrong, Kiski Area