PIAA Plays of the Week – PIAA Quarterfinals

By: HSSN Staff
Tuesday, December 8, 2015 | 6:16 PM

When the WPIAL champions were crowned at Heinz Field last month, the four victorious teams were qualified for the PIAA postseason. In the quarterfinals round on the road to Hershey, two of the four WPIAL representatives claimed victory, as Quad-A Champion Central Catholic prevailed, as did Class AA Aliquippa. Surprisingly, previously undefeated Clairton tasted defeat at the hands of Berlin-BrothersValley in Class A, while Thomas Jefferson came up just short against Class AAA powerhouse Erie Cathedral Prep. This week’s edition of the top plays focuses on the critical moments that helped the Vikings and Quips continue their season.

1. Aliquippa 27, Karns City 17

The Quips were engaged in a tight battle with the the District 9 Champion Gremlins, as Aliquippa faced a rare fourth-quarter deficit in the bout. In the final stanza, however, Aliquippa proved its mettle, and took the lead for good on a Kaezon Pugh 10-yard scamper to cap off an impressive drive.

WVBP-AM 1230 and WMBA-AM 1460’s Bob Barrickman and Tom Hays have the call on the go-ahead touchdown by the University of Pittsburgh recruit:

Additionally, the Quips’ defense came to the forefront later in the fourth quarter to help seal the win. With less than six minutes left, Aliquippa’s Darnell Gardner intercepted a pass near midfield, at took it to the house for the pick-six. His play provided needed breathing room, as the Quips advanced to the state semifinals:

2. Central Catholic 19, State College Area 3

With an array of Division I talent featured on its defense, Central Catholic’s “Chain Gang” has been downright suffocating. However, the offense has produced timely plays, as well, and that trend continued against District 6 representative State College. Offense was at a premium for most of the first half between the Vikings and Little Lions, but Central Catholic running back Vinny Emanuele finally broke through for a touchdown in the final minute of the half. His 4-yard run pushed the Central Catholic lead to 10-0, which ultimately proved insurmountable for State College.

MSA Sports’ Sean Meyers and Gero Von Dahn provide the commentary for the first Vikings’ touchdown:

Although Central Catholic continued to control the play for the majority of the contest, State College kept within striking distance, until the Vikings delivered the proverbial dagger with less than three minutes remaining. Sophomore quarterback Troy Fisher faked a handoff at the 2-yard line, and then glided into the end zone on a bootleg to secure Central Catholic’s spot in the PIAA semifinals for the second time in the past three seasons: