ALIQUIPPA, Pa. — Inclement weather spoiled a Week 1 heavyweight bout between two state champions in Aliquippa and Belle Vernon.
The game is not expected to be rescheduled. The two teams did not get in a full quarter of gameplay and a ruling on whether this game will count toward any end-of-season statistics is still to be determined.
It’s an unfortunate outcome as there was a lot of anticipation around the contest since the schedule was released earlier in the summer. Aliquippa entered the season as three-time defending WPIAL Class 4A champs and is looking to defend its PIAA title. Belle Vernon moved up a classification following back-to-back 3A district and state championships.
In just over 10 minutes of game action, it was Aliquippa that asserted its dominance on the ground game. Penn State commit and senior running back Tiqwai Hayes rushed for 24 yards on eight carries and capped off the opening drive by barreling into the end zone with a two-yard touchdown.
Sophomore Sa’Nir Brooks added the Quips’ second touchdown on a tremendous run that saw him break an ankle tackle at the line and bounce to the left for a 16-yard score.
Aliquippa kept the Leopards in check for the two drives they managed. Junior quarterback Curtis Wade went 0-for-3 while throwing an early interception to QaLil Goode that set up the Hayes touchdown drive.
Belle Vernon will take on Central Valley next week at home. For Aliquippa, it will travel to Avonworth.
The weather saved Belle Vernon from an inevitable beat down. Nevertheless, it’s very unfortunate that the fans and players worked so hard to not be able to compete. Why not reschedule?