Quaker Valley is anxious to get back onto the field
Tri-State Sports & News Service
After a thrilling win against Aliquippa in the WPIAL Class 3A championship two weeks ago, don’t expect a letdown game from Quaker Valley. The next matchup, a PIAA semifinal against Sharon, is more of a build up.
After a bye week, the Quakers are anxious to get back on the field and on the scoreboard. Their win against the Quips was 2-0, thanks to a second-quarter safety. The offense, which averaged 40 points per game up to that point, was shut out. The anticipation is now building to prove that the last game played on a rainsoaked Heinz Field was an anomaly.
“We scored zero offensive points and our offense is capable of putting lots of points on the board,” said Quaker Valley coach Jerry Veshio. “I don’t think there’s any reason to think we can’t do that this week. We’re not going to put a completely new offense in because we didn’t score. We’re going to keep doing what we have done.”
The Quakers (12-1) and Tigers (10-3) square off at 7 p.m. Friday at North Hills’ Martorelli Stadium. The winner gets either ConwellEgan or Middletown, which play each other on Saturday.
Sharon, the District 10 champion, is led by junior running back Jordan Wilson, who has rushed for more than 1,000 yards and scored 17 times. Against Forest Hills in the quarterfinals last week, he scored four touchdowns and ran for 143 yards. Wilson is a 5-10, 215pound bruiser who can wear down opposing defenses.
“They really do rely on their running game,” said Veshio, who watched the Forest Hills game in person. “That’s something we have to plan for.”
The Quakers can’t sleep on the passing game, either. Sophomore Lance Voytik has gotten stronger as the season progressed. He completed 17 of 24 attempts for 317 yards against the Rangers to lead the Tigers to their fifth consecutive win. His top target is Ziyon Strickland, the District 10 career leader in receptions. He hauled in seven passes for 197 yards in the quarterfinals. For the season, the 5-10, 170-pound Strickland has 82 receptions for 1,335 yards and 10 scores.
The Tigers also field a swarming defense, one that forced three turnovers — two interceptions and a fumble — last week.
Facing an opponent with numerous big-play athletes is nothing new for Quaker Valley. Playing in the Beaver Valley Conference against the likes of Beaver, Central Valley and Aliquippa has prepared the Quakers well.
“They’re similar in makeup to some of those Beaver Valley teams,” Veshio said. “Aliquippa’s defense is probably second to none. I don’t think we’ll see many teams out there with the overall speed and upfront big guys like Aliquippa has, but Sharon is a formidable defense as well.”
That is exactly the challenge that quarterback Ricky Guss and his squad want to see. Guss completed none of his 12 pass attempts against the Quips. He tossed two picks and fumbled.
“We’re looking forward to going out there and showing people we’re the real deal,” Guss said. “We are always looking to score as many points as possible.”
Quaker Valley’s first WPIAL championship win was exhilarating, but also exhausting. Having a week off not only allowed the Quakers to recuperate physically, but also clear their minds and allow them to focus on the next matchup and lessen the chances of a letdown game.
“Obviously, we had a big game against Aliquippa at Heinz Field,” said Veshio. “I personally think this week off has benefitted us. This is a long grind. Their bodies and minds need to rest. It was a perfect opportunity to do that.”
Beaver Falls, last season’s Class 3A state champion, also had a bye the week after the WPIAL title game.
Veshio said he utilized the off week by having lighter practices and lifting sessions that didn’t push the players to their limits.
“Having that week to heal up and rest was crucial,” Guss said. “We took advantage and I think it really benefitted us.”
Now, it’s time to ratchet up the intensity and get back to business.
“We’re tired of going against each other in practice,” Guss said. “We’re excited to get out there.”