Norwin holds off late rally by Penn-Trafford
When Norwin took on Penn-Trafford to open the 2017 season, the Warriors eeked out a 3-0 win. What a difference a year makes. Both teams got offensive in the rematch with Class 6A No. 5 Norwin pulling out a 4436 win in a non-conference shootout.
The Knights’ Jack Salopek, who received an offer from Pitt over the summer, launched touchdown passes of 78, 25, 39 and 32 yards.
His counterpart, Penn-Trafford junior Gabe Dunlap, completed 11 of 13 passes for 156 yards and three scores. Dimitri George hauled in two of those scoring passes from 11 and 25 yards away. Dunlap was a dual threat as he carried the ball 15 times for another 112 yards, including an 8yard scamper to the end zone.
Norwin held a 24-7 lead at halftime. The Warriors stormed back in the second half, outscoring the Knights, 29-20, in the final two quarters. Hempfield. He completed 6 of 10 passes for 95 yards, including a 29-yard scoring strike to Roman Pellis. The Spartans’ Mario Perkins toted the ball 13 times for 69 yards and punched in a 2yard scoring effort in the second quarter. Aren Putt of Greensburg Salem took off on a 44-yard run to the end zone in the first quarter before finishing with 82 yards on nine carries.
North Allegheny 45, COF Academy, Ohio 20: In a game that got pushed back due to travel issues with COF, North Allegheny made quick work of its opponent. Ben Maenza carried the ball 23 times for 144 yards and three touchdowns. The Tigers racked up 294 rushing yards compared to 107 for COF. The Tigers also held an advantage in total yards, 345-203. Joey Porter Jr. hauled in a 14-yard touchdown pass and finished with two catches for 20 yards. He returned a punt 38 yards to set up another touchdown.
Seneca Valley 30, Erie McDowell 6: Quarterback Gabe Lawson racked up 253 yards of offense to lead the charge for the Raiders. Lawson completed 12 of 14 passes for 188 yards and ran for another 65 yards on seven attempts. He connected with Josh McLean on strikes of 45 and 5 yards, then hit Luke Smith from 21 yards out. After a scoreless first half, the visting Indians, ranked second in 5A, picked up the pace and outlasted Steubenville. Hollis Mathis fired three touchdown passes, two of which went to Daequan Hardy, who hauled them in for 27 and 61 yard scores. Dante Cephas caught the other for a 25yard score.
Plum 32, Highlands 14: Hunter Linhart completed 14 of 28 passes for 299 yards and three scores to lead the host Mustangs. William Guzzi balanced the offense by rushing for 144 yards on 20 carries. Plum built a 24-7 halftime lead and never looked back. Highlands’ Gabe Booker ran for 88 yards and scored twice.
North Hills 42, Butler 7: Tyler Brennan