IMPERIAL, Pa. — The Greater Latrobe Wildcats stormed past the West Allegheny Indians 39-7 in the first round of the WPIAL 4A playoffs on Friday night behind a dominant performance on both sides of the ball from standout juniors Alex Tatsch and John Wetzel.
Wetzel ran for four scores while also taking snaps at defensive back; Tatsch laid punishing hits whether blocking or tackling.
Latrobe returned the opening kickoff to midfield. Wetzel found senior receiver Ja’Tawn Williams deep downfield to secure a 44-yard pickup, then finished the drive with his legs on a five-yard touchdown.
The Wildcats forced a quick three-and-out, and Wetzel quickly put them back in scoring territory with a 47-yard carry down the sideline. Tatsch—who picked up a flood of D1 offers this season—helped spring the play, laying a devastating block to pave a path for Wetzel.
West Allegheny kept the Wildcats out of the end zone, though, forcing a 25-yard field goal from Ben Bigi.
Indians’ quarterback and safety Brock Cornell went down injured midway through the second quarter, the first of a string of unfortunate plays for West Allegheny in the frame. Facing a fourth-and-two soon thereafter, Wetzel cashed in with a 42-yard touchdown run.
West Allegheny second-string quarterback Brody Malatak needed to be carted off the field after getting blown up on a fourth-down sack off the blindside.
Greater Latrobe Pours it On
Wetzel scored his third touchdown of the day with a 22-yard tote on the ensuing drive to put the Wildcats up 24-0.
The Indians ate up most of the third quarter with a grinding drive, but couldn’t cash in when a 37-yard field goal attempt fell short. Wetzel promptly scored his fourth touchdown of the day from two yards out, making it 32-0 after a successful two-point pass.
The Wildcats continued to pour it on in the fourth quarter, with running back Brady Prohovic getting in on the fun with a touchdown of his own.
West Allegheny broke up the shutout with a touchdown rush from senior running back Michael Woodson.
Greater Latrobe advances to face No. 1 seed Aliquippa on the road at 7pm next Friday, November 10.
West A will be back; but until there is better leadership from the top they’ll never be what they once were.