IMPERIAL, Pa. — Emboldened by its homecoming week celebrations, West Allegheny looked capable of performing a miracle in its Friday night matchup against PA No. 9 Aliquippa.
But it wasn’t meant to be. The Indians fell just short of the upset, falling to the Quips 29-22
Pitt-committed outside linebacker Cameron Lindsey led the Quips, posting an impressive performance on both sides of the ball.
Meanwhile, West Allegheny running back and Duquesne recruit Brock Cornell led the Indians’ valiant effort. But it just wasn’t enough.
Lindsey made his presence known early, pushing the Indians back for a loss of yards on the first play of the game. But the Indians quickly struck back, driving down the field into the red zone. Runningback Roman Police then battled through defenders for a 16-yard touchdown. Police’s efforts, plus a two-point conversion, gave the Indians an early 8-0 lead.
The West Allegheny defense also held up well in the early part of the game, forcing Aliquippa to punt on its first drive of the game.
Thanks to a West Allegheny fumble recovery, the Quips found themselves in good field position with time to work in the first quarter. The Quips took full advantage of the good field position, as quarterback Quentin Goode connected with wide receiver Arison Walker for a 28-yard touchdown, which tied the game at 7-7.
On its next drive, Aliquippa once again punished the Indians. Lindsey — who plays running back on offense — showed off his power on the drive, battling through West Allegheny defenders on several plays to pick up solid yards for his team. Saint-Francis recruit tight end Jayce Williams finished off the drive, as he hauled in Goode’s pass for a short touchdown.
The Quips converted on a two-point attempt to take the 15-8 lead in the second quarter.
But the Indians bounced back quickly, as they mounted a sustained drive don the field. After a clutch fourth-down conversion, Cornell rushed into the endzone for a four yard touchdown.
The first half ended with the score tied at 15-15.
Both teams were stagnant coming out of the locker room. The Indians had a chance to take the lead in their first drive of the half, but their offense stalled and they missed the field goal attempt.
Aliquippa looked ready to deliver a dagger at the end of the third quarter, but West Allegheny cornerback Noah Pfeffer picked off a tipped pass to halt the Quips’ drive.
The third quarter proved indecisive, as the clock ran out with the teams still tied at 15-15.
With the clock dwindling down, Lindsey proved why he is one of the top recruits in Pennsylvania, as he stepped up on offense to put the Quips in scoring position. Aliquippa running back and Pitt recruit Tiqwai Hayes finished the drive, punching in a short run to give the Quips a late 21-15 lead.
But the Indians weren’t done yet. Cornell connected with Indians tight end Tyler Hatton for a 15-yard touchdown. The Indians then connected on the extra point, giving them the lead with limited time remaining in the action.
With the game on the line, the Quips stepped up, as Goode connected with Brandon Banks for a 34-yard touchdown, allowing Aliquippa to cruise to a 29-22 victory.
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