Bethel Park spoils USC’s title hopes
Blackhawks hold off Panthers for 20-14 victory in Allegheny
Bethel Park certainly finished its regular season on a high note.
The playoff-bound Blackhawks’ 20-14 victory Friday night against Class 5A Allegheny Eight Conference rival Upper St. Clair not only secured third place in the conference standings, but also spoiled Bethel Park’s neighbor’s chances at a share of a conference crown.
After building a 14-0 lead at halftime, Bethel Park (6-3, 5-2) held off Upper St. Clair’s attempt at a second-half comeback. The Panthers entered the game riding a four-game winning streak since losing Sept. 21 to West Allegheny.
Sean McGowan, a junior, led the Blackhawks’ ground assault with 230 rushing yards on 37 carries. McGowan scored on a 1-yard run during the second quarter before throwing a 5-yard touchdown pass to Tiger Burkes in the third quarter.
Luke Surunis chipped in with a score when he caught a 19-yard touchdown pass from Anthony Chiccitt.
Jason Sweeney paced Upper St. Clair (82, 5-2) with 141 passing yards. Sweeney, a senior, went 14-of-31 passing. He connected with Chris Pantelis on a 9-yard touchdown throw in the fourth quarter. Colin McLinden put the Panthers on the scoreboard in the third quarter after he scored on a 1-yard touchdown run.
More games
Peters Township 42, Baldwin 7: Ryan Magiske rushed for 139 yards and three touchdowns on 10 carries as the host Indians (8-2, 6-1) beat the Highlanders (4-6, 25) in Allegheny Eight Conference action, capturing the program’s first conference championship since 1975. Logan Pfeuffer completed 10 of 13 throws for 183 yards and two touchdowns. Josh Castilli was on the receiving end of both of Pfeuffer’s touchdown tosses. Castilli caught five receptions and finished with 120 receiving yards. Jaqwon Parker scored Baldwin’s lone touchdown with a 46-yard fumble return.
Woodland Hills 28, Chartiers Valley 14: The Wolverines (4-6, 3-4) clinched their 23rd consecutive postseason berth after an Allegheny Eight Conference win over the visiting Colts (3-7, 0-7). Woodland Hills trailed, 14-7, at the half before scoring 21 unanswered points. William Clark rushed for two touchdowns in the third quarter and finished with 129 rushing yards on 16 carries. Anthony Merideth ran for 140 yards on 24 rushes. Chartiers Valley’s Griffin Beattie threw for 103 yards.
Armstrong 24, Kiski Area 21: Two fourthquarter touchdowns lifted the River Hawks (5-5, 3-4) past the Cavaliers (3-7, 2-5) in an Allegheny Eight Conference showdown. Jalen Price threw for 200 yards with a touchdown and also rushed for 117 yards and a score on 24 attempts.
West Allegheny 7, Moon 0: Dante Flati’s 6-yard touchdown run in the third quarter was all the No. 5 Indians (7-2, 6-1) needed to shut out the host Tigers (2-8, 1-6) in Allegheny Eight Conference play. Flati finished with 57 rushing yards on 17 carries, while his younger brother, Nico Flati, had 104 total receiving yards.
Connellsville 17, Albert Gallatin 14 (OT): Gage Gillot’s 17-yard field goal in overtime sealed a Big East Conference win for the host Falcons (3-7, 2-5). The Colonials (0-10, 0-7) led, 14-7, before Josh Maher scored on a 4-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter for Connellsville. Torry Robinson scored twice for Albert Gallatin.
Penn-Trafford 30, Franklin Regional 14: Gabe Dunlap accumulated 204 yards of total offense to guide the No. 3 Warriors (82, 6-1) to a Big East Conference win against the visiting Panthers (6-3, 4-3). Dunlap rushed for 110 yards and two touchdowns on 18 carries. He also went 4-of-9 passing for 94 yards and a touchdown. Dimitri George had 4 receptions and finished with 94 receiving yards and a score. Caleb Lisbon rushed for 173 yards and a touchdown on 18 rushes.
Shaler 56, Fox Chapel 0: Darin Mizgorski threw three touchdown passes to propel the host Titans (4-6, 3-4) to a Northern Conference blowout over the Foxes (2-8, 1-6). Mizgoski completed 5 of 8 passes for 103 yards. Jake Miller and Joe Kremer each scored two touchdowns. Kremer rushed for 99 yards on 22 carries.
Mars 30, Hampton 6: Garrett Reinke rushed for 229 yards and two touchdowns on 30 carries to push the Fightin’ Planets past the visiting Talbots (2-8, 1-6) and collect a Northern Conference victory. Hampton’s lone score came in the fourth quarter, when Brandon Stephany hauled in a 59-yard touchdown pass from Max Obenrader.
Penn Hills 38, North Hills 0: Hollis Mathis’ three touchdowns and 172 passing yards guided the No. 2 Indians (10-0, 7-0) to a Northern Conference shutout over the host Indians (6-4, 5-2). Tank Smith rushed for 99 yards and a touchdown on 12 carries, while Dante Cephas had five receptions for 97 yards.
Latrobe 39, Highlands 13: Zakharee Williams caught two touchdown passes from Brendan Crosby as the visiting Wildcats (46) toppled the Golden Rams (2-9).