PENN HILLS, Pa. — The Penn Hills hosted Bethel Park in a non-section Class-5A showdown at Yuhas-McGinley Stadium Friday night, where the Penn Hills dominated in a 28-12 victory.
The action started on the opening kickoff as the Black Hawks (2-3 overall, 1-0 Allegheny Six) conceded the ball to the Indians (4-1 overall, 2-0 Northeast) on a lost fumble which set the home team up at the 24-yard line. The Indians w0uld score two plays later on a 10-yard quarterback keeper from Pitt commit Julian Dugger.
After a quick three-and-out by the Black Hawks on the ensuing drive, the Indians were in prime position to extend their lead to two possessions. Black Hawks’ Ryan Petras foiled those plans, as he intercepted a Dugger pass and took it the other way 35 yards for a defensive touchdown.
The Black Hawks failed to score the rest of the first half as the Indians defense held them to 36 total yards of offense. The Indians tacked on two more scores before the end of the half, as Dugger added another rushing touchdown in addition to a 54-yard touchdown pass to Cameron Thomas.
The Black Hawks tried to use a stronger third quarter to get back into the game, as they scored the only touchdown of the quarter on a 1-yard quarterback keeper by Tanner Pfeuffer. The Indians tried to answer right back on the ensuing drive but turned the ball over on downs inside of the Black Hawks 10-yard line.
Even though the Indians still led by two possessions midway through the fourth quarter, the Black Hawks started to gain momentum. Starting with the ball on their own 10-yard line, the Black Hawks attempted to drive the length of the field to pull within one possession, but were quickly halted after Jaymere Ellis hauled in an interception which ultimately iced the game for the Indians.
Penn Hills will stay home to host Fox Chapel next Friday, while the Bethel Park will travel back home to play host to crosstown rival Upper St. Clair.
