NORTH HUNTINGDON, Pa. — Powered by six total touchdowns from quarterback Logan Kushner, the North Allegheny Tigers claimed their second consecutive WPIAL Championship in a 44-41 thriller against the Central Catholic Vikings.
The Vikings won 50-22 when the two teams first met, but the Tigers forced opportunistic turnovers and leaned on a grinding rushing attack to get the best of the rematch. The two teams combined for eight first half touchdowns, but North Allegheny’s measured offense took over and slowed things down as the game went on.
Kushner showed off his versatility, connecting with receiver Khiryn Boyd on a pair of deep touchdowns and punching in four more scores with his legs.
Vikings’ receiver Xxavier Thomas caught the opening kickoff at his own 1-yard line and returned it 99 yards to the house, making a statement as Central Catholic opened a 6-0 lead.
From there it was off to the races, as the Tigers wasted no time answering. Boyd broke free behind the Vikings’ defense for a 46-yard touchdown less than two minutes later.
Central Catholic quarterback Payton Wehner found Cole Sullivan in the flat for a 12-yard touchdown, but North Allegheny responded again when Boyd reeled in a 57-yard touchdown to take a 14-13 lead.
Penn State commit Peter Gonzalez set up the Vikings’ next touchdown—a 2-yard tote by Elijah Faulkner—with a 52-yard catch and run.
North Allegheny’s Run Game Takes Over
The Vikings threatened to come undone from there, turning the ball over in their own territory twice in the second quarter. North Allegheny built a 34-20 lead before the half thanks to Kushner’s hat trick, which included a 39-yard scamper.
The Tigers ate up all but 1:14 of the third quarter before Central Catholic’s offense could take the field thanks to a perfect quick kick from Kushner that bounced off a Vikings’ return man, resulting in a fumble recovery. The long drive stalled and Central Catholic blocked the field goal try.
Bradley Gompers returning the ball to the Tigers’ 19-yard line, and Faulkner scored his second touchdown of the game to pull Central Catholic within seven.
North Allegheny kicker Nick Van Winkle converted a 29-yard kick to put the Tigers up 37-27 with nine minutes to play.
Vikings’ receiver Vernon Settles fumbled after absorbing a crushing hit on the ensuing drive, but the play was called for targeting to give Central Catholic new life. Settles rebounded with an 18-yard touchdown catch, closing the deficit to 37-34.
Kushner seemed to call game with a 76-yard rushing touchdown, but the Vikings weren’t ready to go home yet. Wehner threw across his body to Sullivan for a wide open 14-yard score to make it 44-41 with 28 seconds to play. North Allegheny recovered the onside kick attempt to let the air out of the balloon and secure the championship.
