In a rematch from last year’s state playoffs, the Westinghouse Bulldogs (11-0) defeated the Central Clarion Wildcats (11-1) in the first round of the Class-2A PIAA State Championship playoffs, 46-30. Last season, the Bulldogs trounced the Wildcats by a score of 44-8 and in this year’s contest, the outcome was about the same in regard of being a blowout.
After a scoreless first 10 minutes, the Bulldogs struck first and took 7-0 lead into the second quarter. The Wildcats answered back midway though the second quarter and actually managed to take an 8-7 lead after a successful two-point conversion. That was the last time that the Bulldogs trailed in the contest.
Nearing halftime, the Bulldogs jumped back ahead and took an 8 point lead into the break.
In the third quarter, the scoring got turned up a notch. The Bulldogs scored less than a minute into the half and then returned an interception to increase their lead even more. By the midway mark of the third quarter, the Bulldogs’ lead jumped to three possessions, 28-8.
Before the end of the third quarter, the Wildcats managed to score twice but the Bulldogs also tacked on another touchdown. After the first 36 minutes of play, the Bulldogs led by the score of 34-23.
At the start of the fourth, the Bulldogs scored on their fifth rushing touchdown of the night to put the game on ice.
With the victory, the Bulldogs are slotted to faceoff against the winner of Farrell and Mercyhurst Prep in the quarterfinal round of the Class-2A PIAA State Championship playoffs. The game will be conducted next week but the exact date and time have not been released yet.
WPIAL Playoff Scores
PIAA Brackets
