WPIAL

OLSH Rolls Rochester, 28-6 for First WPIAL Title

Published

5 years ago

November 17, 2018

PITTSBURGH — Just ten years ago, OLSH did not have a football program. Now, they sit atop of the WPIAL Class-1A throne. OLSH took an early lead and hung on to knock off Rochester 28-6 in the class 1A WPIAL Championship at Heinz Field.

OLSH recovered a fumble on the first play of the game to establish momentum. While the Chargers did not capitalize, they did flip field position in a big way. Rochester spent the entire half trying to get themselves in a better spot on the field. Unfortunately, with their heavy run attack, it took time to put first downs together. OLSH was adamant about not allowing the big run and letting Rochester chip away at their defense.

The field position advantage set OLSH up with two scoring drives in the first half. Tyler Bradley took one himself and completed a touchdown pass Andrew Schnarre. The two plays helped open up a 14-0 lead at the half.

Rochester went into the half knowing that they needed to strike early into the second half to avoid a blowout. They did just that. While OLSH was letting them chip away with short runs, Rochester came out and took what was given. Rochester went on a long drive that featured all runs to cut into the lead. Unfortunately, a failed two-point conversion only made it 14-6.

Rochester got a stop on the following possession but was unable to take advantage on offense. That is when OLSH had enough and decided to put the finishing touches on the game. OLSH used a mix of run and pass to move down the field, capping off a touchdown drive with a Tyler Bradley to Sig Saftner pass. The pass gave OLSH a 21-6 lead.

OLSH forced a three and out and used their offense to salt the game away from there. Tyler Bradley found Richard Banks and OLSH took a 28-6 lead, ending any chance Rochester had at coming back. Rochester was finally forced to pass, but that led to the game sealing interception by OLSH. With a 28-6 lead and four minutes to go, OLSH put the game away.

Leading from start to finish, OLSH was able to put the icing on a 13-1 regular season that will go down in the school history books. For the first time, OLSH will be named WPIAL football champions.