WPIAL Plays of the Week – Week Nine 2014

By: Bruce Markey
Thursday, October 30, 2014 | 11:49 AM

Rivalry week was the final stop before we hopped on the Highway to Heinz. And boy, it did not disappoint. Big defensive plays, a massively important kick and one special play for a Valley Junior top the best plays of Week Nine. Before you load up the car for what will, for your team, hopefully be a lengthy ride, make sure you look back at the final stop of the regular season with the Plays of the Week:

1. Freeport 39, Valley 30
For (possibly) the first time in POTW history, a player from a losing team comes away with the top play. But this is no ordinary play. Late in the 4th quarter of Friday night’s contest between Freeport and Valley, Vikings coach Muzzy Colosimo checked in Junior Full Back Zach Clarke into the backfield. Clark, who has autism, took a handoff and split the defense, going 60 yards for Valley’s final score of the season. After hitting pay dirt, Clarke was congratulated by members of both teams and carried off of the field on the shoulders of his teammates.

To view this phenomenal play, click here: 

2. Chartiers-Houston 31, Fort Cherry 28
Not a stranger to the top play world, Chartiers-Houston kicker Mike Cushma would come up with the biggest kick of, quite possibly, his life. Tied 28-28 with just seconds remaining in a win-and-you’re-in week nine battle, Cushma entered needing to connect on a 31-yard field goal. Despite a high snap, Cushma would crush a kick down the middle of the uprights, sending the Bucs to the WPIAL Playoffs.

MSA Sports’ Sam Hall and Nick Farrell with the call of the winning kick at the 2:46 mark on our GameLights:

3. Penn Hills 22, Woodland Hills 15
Moments after Milan Smith’s go-ahead touchdown, Penn Hills would need a big defensive stop to upset rival Woodland Hills and claim the Southeastern Conference Title. Not only did they get the stop, they got a turnover, capping the biggest win of the season for the Indians. With just under 2:30 left, Penn Hills’ Cody Allen would strip Woodland Hills Quarterback Jeremiah Jones. The Indians would recover the fumble and run out the clock on the ensuing drive, lifting Penn Hills to the win.

The Woodland Hills Sports Network’s Adam Gusky and Fred Guy on the call:

4. Mars 20, Hampton 14 (OT)
The Mars Fightin’ Planets were facing possible elimination, facing a deficit and, most daunting, facing an undefeated opponent. But Mars, with a bit of luck along the way, was able to pull out a 20-14 win in overtime, clinching a playoff spot in the process. After Isaiah Johnson scored on the first possession of overtime, Hampton would get the chance to win the game. But an interception by Robby Carmody in the endzone would clinch the win for the Planets.

The Hampton Talbots Sports Network’s Dennis Fischer and Sean Malone have the call: