Penn-Trafford runs past Kiski Area in Big East showdown

By: Bob Orkwis
Friday, September 20, 2024 | 11:42 PM

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Both Penn-Trafford and Kiski Area came into the contest looking for their first win in 5A Big East Conference play.

The Penn-Trafford rushing attack and defense was on display on the road, leading the Warriors to a 33-7 victory.

“We trust our line, and we have two guys who can really run the ball well,” Warriors coach John Ruane said. “That was certainly the case tonight.”

Running back Tasso Whipple and quarterback Derek Carr are the two guys coach Ruane referred to, and each had a big game.

Whipple ran for 186 yards on 15 carries and scored the game’s first touchdown.

“He’s done this for three years now,” Ruane said of the senior ball carrier. “We think he’s one of the best running backs in the WPIAL, and he showed it again tonight.”

Carr scored on a 2-yard run early in the fourth quarter to give the Warriors a 19-7 lead.

“I thought Derek had a really good game tonight, especially on his cutback runs,” Ruane said. “He did a great job as well down around the goal line. We will continue to utilize his skills, too, because he’s terrific.”

The score was 7-0 Penn- Trafford at halftime, before Kiski Area put together an impressive drive to tie the game.

The Cavaliers drove 12 plays in over eight minutes and took advantage of a roughing the punter penalty that kept the drive alive. Carson Heinle hit Aven Shirley in the end zone on a 4th-and-9 play, and the game was even.

The biggest play of the game happened on the ensuing kickoff.

Senior Michael Cheplick took the kick at the 2-yard line and broke several tackles on his way to a 98-yard touchdown that gave Penn-Trafford a 13-7 lead that they never lost.

“He just willed himself to the end zone,” Ruane said. “He’s our fastest player, and he’s a legit track speed guy. He got a lot of that on his own, and he stiff-armed somebody at the 50 and turned on the jets after that.”

After Carr’s touchdown run, Jonny Lovre threw a 4-yard pass to Jack Weishaar and freshman Cody Yacamelli closed out the scoring with a 20-yard run on his first varsity carry.

Penn-Trafford (3-2, 1-1) piled up 423 yards on the ground in the win. The Warriors defense held Kiski Area to 151 total yards on the game.

Ruane was pleased with the Warriors’ effort on that side of the football.

“I thought our defense was the story of the game, to be honest. If we don’t have foolish penalties, running into the kicker twice, that’s a shutout. After the second (penalty), we put ourselves in a bad spot. We run the ball, but we are known for our defense at Penn- Trafford. Our defensive staff does a great job, our kids play hard as heck, and I’m really proud of their effort tonight.”

Penn-Trafford plays host to Plum next week in a non­conference matchup.

The Cavaliers (1-4, 0-2), who have lost four games in a row at home after opening the season with a win, head to Franklin Regional next Friday to face the Panthers in conference action.

Tags: Kiski Area, Penn-Trafford