Allegheny Six teams head into home stretch
While Peters Township continues non-conference action in preparation for its Allegheny Six Conference finale Oct. 27, Upper St. Clair and Bethel Park face critical contests that could determine their postseason possibilities.
While the Indians host Canon-McMillan in a crossover clash with its second straight Class 6A foe (they played Mt. Lebanon on Oct. 13), the Panthers will host Moon and the Blackhawks will entertain South Fayette at 7 p.m. Oct. 20.
After falling to BP, 22-10, USC slipped to 1-2 in the conference. Although they were 5-2 overall heading into their game on Oct. 13 against Canon-McMillan, the Panthers need the win against the Tigers as well as a victory against at South Fayette on Oct. 27 to keep their playoff hopes alive.
“We have really left ourselves no room for error,” USC coach Mike Junko said. “We need to play our best football in these remaining conference games.”
Playing the Tigers at home may give the Panthers a slight edge as it is youth night at the stadium.
“It is always great to see so many of our youth players and families in attendance,” Junko said. “Our community has been really supportive this season. It has been great to see so much support.”
On the field, however, the Panthers must produce. They struggled offensively recently, particularly in the loss to BP. Julian Dahlem (44-yard TD rush) and Bennett Henderson (39-yard field goal) produced the only points in the defeat.
USC cannot afford a similar showing because “Moon brings a punishing ground attack and a defense that has kept their opponents in check,” said Junko.
“We have to play complimentary football,” he added. “Our offense has to put more pressure on defenses and we have to stop the run.”
The Black Hawks must contain the pass if they are to record the win against the Lions and stay in step with Peters Township, whom they visit on Oct. 27 in a game that should decide the conference championship.
In a non-conference win against Plum, 24-13, Nico Lamonde excelled. The South Fayette signal caller completed 22 of 29 passes for 276 yards and two touchdowns. He also rushed for another score.
Michale Gimigliano was the primary target. He pulled in 10 passes for 148 yards and one score.
Meanwhile, Peters Township was coming off a critical victory against Moon, 40-7. With the win, the Indians improved to 7-0 overall before heading into their non-conference stretch.
Carter Shanafelt and Nolan DiLucia proved a 1-2 punch too hard for the Tigers to handle.
DiLucia completed 10 passes for 220 yards and three touchdowns. He also rushed for a 91-yard score.
Shanafelt pulled in five passes for 166 yards and three scores. His two TD receptions for 67 and 73 yards coupled with a pick-6 for 37 yards in the fourth quarter broke open the game.
Moon led, 7-0, after taking advantage of a PT fumble but the Indians took the lead at halftime on a 37-yard scoring reception by Shanafelt.
Vinny Sarcone also rushed for a touchdown (12 yards) for the Indians, who lost two fumbles and had a punt blocked in the first half.
“We made some mistakes but found things we were able to capitalize on,” said PT head coach TJ Plack. “Moon’s a very tough team.”
North Allegheny proved too tough for Mt. Lebanon as the Blue Devils dropped a 43-7 decision to the Tigers in Tri-County Five Conference action. Jimmy Green had the lone score for the Blue Devils on a 15-yard run. Ben McAuley kicked the extra point.
The Blue Devils, who played Peters Township on Oct. 13, will travel to Baldwin in a 6A/5A crossover contest at 7 p.m. Oct. 20 before wrapping up the regular season on Oct. 27 at Canon-McMillan.
In other action, Chartiers Valley visits Aliquippa at 7 p.m. on Oct. 20.
The Colts picked up their second win of the season when they defeated New Castle, 35-14.
In the triumph, Tyler Glover had five receptions for 102 yards and two touchdowns. Tayshaun Lewis rushed for a 77-yard score while Chase Schofield and Austin Efthimiades added 1- and 3-yard dives into the end zone. Schofield rushed for one score and tossed one TD while Zachary Gleason had the other TD throw to Glover. Chad Wright kicked the extra points.