PITTSBURGH — The University Prep Wildcats defeated the Taylor Allderdice Dragons 8-0 on Friday, pitching a shutout thanks to four interceptions from senior defensive back Jaden Duckett.
Turnovers and procedural penalties marred the first half on both sides, preventing either team from finding a rhythm. Duckett accounted for three of five first half turnovers, intercepting a trio of passes in the first quarter alone.
Allderdice (1-7) drove into the Wildcats’ red zone early in the second quarter, but a lost fumble kept the Dragons off the board.
The Wildcats then broke the ice on a 21-yard touchdown reception from tight end Emory Arrington, going up 8-0 after a successful two-point conversion. The Dragons began what looked like a promising drive, quickly moving into USO territory, but ended up turning the ball over on downs.
University Prep (6-2) backup quarterback Jaquille McIntosh—who entered following an injury to starter Max Qureshi—found receiver Xair Stevenson, who has an offer from Temple, for a 40 yard gain to put USO in the red zone in the waning seconds of the half.
This time it was the Wildcats who couldn’t hold onto the ball, however, as McIntosh had to corral an errant snap, sending the game to halftime with a sack.
Play slowed again in the second half, with penalties and blown up plays limiting both offenses.
The Dragons drove to the Wildcats’ 25-yard line midway through the fourth quarter, but a holding penalty slowed their roll. Duckett logged his fourth interception of the night on third down, helping to keep the shutout alive.
University Prep’s offense couldn’t ice the game away, and they punted with 2:30 to play.
The Dragons couldn’t get anything going, though, as University Prep’s defense came up strong one final time.
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Week 8 WPIAL Friday Night High School Football Scoreboard
