An intense glare from the curious. Television cameras. Aliquippa as the opponent.
South Fayette entered last year's WPIAL Class AA playoffs with an undefeated record and the No. 1 seed in the bracket. Considering the Lions had never achieved such lofty success in the classification, it raised a few eyebrows.
And it meant Aliquippa would be the Lions' opponent in the second round, a game FSN deemed worthy to broadcast live.
"We're talking about a group that was 3-6 (the year before)," South Fayette coach Joe Rossi said.
South Fayette played like a veteran team through three quarters and led by two scores. The lead almost expanded on a couple occasions in the fourth quarter before Aliquippa rallied with 32 late points to win a wild one and eventually advance to the WPIAL championship game.
It's a performance that has bothered South Fayette for over a year.
"It was the first time we had a lot of success. We were undefeated and a lot of people we're wondering how good we were," said senior Eric Myers, a two-way starter at tight end and middle linebacker. "Looking back, I think we might have been a little in awe of Aliquippa and the situation."
That's not the case anymore.
If South Fayette (12-0) will be in awe of anything when it takes the field against Aliquippa (12-0) in the Class AA championship game Saturday at 1 p.m. at Heinz Field the Lions will be in awe of the venue.
"I'm sure going into Heinz Field the guys will be in awe a little bit," Rossi said. "They have to erase those thoughts and prepare like they're getting ready to play on our field."
Awe or not, stopping South Fayette's offense is something no team has done. Don't expect it to happen here, even against an Aliquippa defense that might be the best in the state in Class AA.
South Fayette, 42-34.
In other games, Clairton 16, Rochester 12; Montour 38, Central Valley 21; North Allegheny 17, Woodland Hills 14.
17 comments:
North Allegheny-28 Woodland Hills-14
Central Valley-24 Montour-14
Aliquippa-31 South Fayette-21
Clairton-21 Rochester-10
That's my call and I'm sticking to it
Congrats to the Bears...
Congrats South Fayette
3 in a row for Clairton. Impressive.
I'm just enjoying the ride Mike. Looks like Farrell and Clairton are on a collision coarse. That game should be one hell of a fight.
Thanks Mike. Today ranks as one of the top defensive performances Clairton has ever had. Holding that team to 0 points, less than 2 yards per play, and basically completely shutting down that running game...very impressive.
My picks are looking good so far...
AAAA - Woody High
AAA - Montour
AA - South Fayette
A - Clairton 22-7
November 24, 2010 3:23 PM
2-0 thus far...
I caught bits and pieces on TV before I headed down for the South Fayette game.
I couldn't believe it when I heard that Clairton had allowed minus-74 yards rushing ON THE YEAR before playing Rochester.
Might be the craziest stat of the 2010 season.
Sites for next week... And how bout this for home field advantage
South Fayette vs Brockway at West Allegheny HS
Clairton vs North Star at Somerset HS
That stat actually needs checked...Im not sure thats 100% accurate. I heard it too...but i think Springdale last week blew that stat up a bit.
How about Central Valley tonight? Man oh man were they impressive. Foster and Turley are big time players...they are going to be a tough out in the states if they play like they played tonight.
Somerset = God's country. Enjoy your trip to the land of skiing.
North Star was my least favorite high school growing up.
I got to watch CV tonight while writing my SF stories. I knew about Turley from previous years but, you're right Alum, Foster was a treat to watch.
Fastest guy in pads I've seen this year.
The play Foster made on that punt return was phenomenal.
Congratulations to all the winners.
Mike I used to work with someone who had kids in the rockwood district. They played North Star a lot and told me the same thing...that was the worst, most hated team they played. I have a feeling Clairton is going to bury them Friday night.
Congrats to all winners...I never saw Clairton this season before Sat - was the game I was most looking forward to - and I was extremely impressed...The -74 rushing stat blew me away. It was mentioned on the tv broadcast that Green is now listening to other schools after orally committing to Pitt - anyone hear anything else about it?
Central Valley - as a Ringgold supporter, their win made me feel better. They got better as the playoffs rolled on...Remember Ringgold was only down 14-13 with 5 minutes remaining - they actually played CV tougher than the other high-profile teams (TJ and Montour)..Congrats to them as well..
I don't expect the Cougars to give the Bears any type of contest.
Mike,
I hate to sway the topic in a different direction but its relative to the strength of D5 and your knowledge of the district and Geibel itself. Are there any talks of Geibel joining D5? I mean travel for Geibel in D5 can't be much worse for them compared to the WPIAL. I think the Gators would be much more competitive in D5 as well. I can't see why they couldn't be a 6-3 and possibly 7-2 team most years.
I have heard this but I also have heard Geibel could discontinue football.
Of course, that's hardly a new topic of conversation.
Travelwise, it would be about the same. Connellsville to towns like Rockwood, Meyersdale, etc. isn't too bad of a trip. Heck, when I used to work seasonal jbs at Hidden Valley Ski Resort, a lot of my co-workers were from Connellsville.
They would be more competitive in D5 but I don't see them being able to beat teams like Windber, North Star, Bedford.
Post a Comment