North Allegheny Trounces McDowell in PIAA Quarterfinal; 41-7

WEXFORD, Pa. — Less than a week removed from their thrilling WPIAL title-clinching victory against Pittsburgh Central Catholic, the North Allegheny Tigers cruised past the Erie-McDowell Trojans in the quartefinal round of the PIAA Class-6A state playoffs, 41-7.

Earlier this season, the Tigers defeated the Trojans 43-22 and now leads the overall series 12-0 with two of those victrories coming in the PIAA state playoffs.

The Tigers found momentum on the opening kickoff of the game as Khiryn Boyd received the ball and took it 75 yards until he stumbled and fell down at the Trojans 15-yard line. Three plays later, the Tigers struck first as Logan Kushner scampered in from 12 yards out.

After forcing a Trojan three-and-out, the Tigers struck again, this time on the very first play of their second drive, as Kushner hit Boyd for a 65-yard touchdown strike. The Tigers would go onto score a touchdown on their first five offensive possessions of the game. Kushner accounted for four of the Tigers first five scores as he rushed for one and threw for three more including two to Evan Lyon.

While the Tigers offense was dominate in the first half, their defense enforced just as much dominance. The Tigers offense outgained the Trojans 369 to 102 in the opening 24 minutes.

The Tigers opted to sit a majority of their starters in the second half but that did not change the end result. The Trojans had a chance to put some points on the board to open the third quarter but the drive ultimately ended in a missed field goal.

Throughout the second half, the Tigers defense played a “bend but do not break” defense and allowed just one touchdown over the final two quarters of the game.

With the blowout victory, the Tigers advance to play the winner of Manheim Township and Harrisburg in next week’s semifinal round, while the Trojans seasons ends with the loss. Last season, the Tigers made it all the way to the PIAA semifinals before losing.

GALLERY: