COLLIER TWP, Pa. — In a classification where only eight teams out of 18 make playoffs, it is a “must” to start conference play on the right foot. A small bracket means there is less room for error. With that in mind, Laurel Highlands and Chartiers Valley – both playing in WPIAL 4A – knew the significance of tonight’s Big Six Conference opener.
One of the heaviest recruited senior players in the Western Pennsylvania area made a significant impact in this game and that was Laurel Highlands’ Antwan Black Jr. The star senior, with 13 offers, made his presence with three first-half interceptions putting the Mustangs in the game.
Despite, Black Jr.’s interceptions and the receptions that he made, it was not enough as Chartiers Valley (3-2, 1-0) opened up Big Six Conference play with a 42-14 over Laurel Highlands (3-2, 0-1).
Chartiers Valley started the game with the ball as their opening drive lasted for six minutes. The Colts were deep in Mustangs territory until multiple false start penalties pushed the offense back. The Colts faced third-&-16 from the Mustangs 30-yard line, Colts quarterback Luke Miranda threw a pass intended toward Jake Lewis but was defended by Alafia Calloway. Another penalty pushed the Colts offense back five yards. On fourth down, Miranda scrambled around and as he threw the ball down the field, he under-threw his intended receiver Julius Best as Antwan Black was right there to pick off the pass.
Laurel Highlands could not take advantage of Black’s first interception as the Mustangs went three-and out. As the Mustangs punted deep in their own territory, the snap went behind punter Tanner Bruzda and landed out of the end zone for a safety.
The Colts took a 9-0 lead to begin the second quarter as Miranda rushed for a 9-yard touchdown to extend the lead.
Later on in the second quarter, the Mustangs got on the board after Black Jr. intercepted a pass off Miranda and returned it 68 yards for a touchdown to the trim Colts lead to 9-7.
After halftime, the Mustangs came out with resurgence to begin the third quarter. Parker Hoff rushed for a 40-yard touchdown to give the Mustangs their first and only lead of the game.
Just when it looked like things would start going the Mustangs way, Best made a statement for the Colts as he returned the ensuing kickoff 99 yards to give the Colts a 15-14 lead. After that big play, the Colts gained momentum and confidence and did not look back after that.
After a Laurel Highlands punt, the Colts went down the field and capitalized on the drive with a 3-yard touchdown by the team’s other quarterback Michael Lawrence. Chartiers Valley’s lead extended to 21-14.
On the ensuing kickoff, Black looked to pick up a squib kick deep in Mustangs territory. However, as Black Jr. attempted to pick up the ball, his knee touched the ground pinning the Mustangs inside their own 10-yard line. Little did the Mustangs know Black Jr.’s little error would be costly. On third down, Mustangs quarterback Noah Lion was in his own endzone attempting to pass. However, the ball slipped from his hands while he was attempting to throw and landed right in the hands of Colts defensive lineman Anthony Mousessian for a touchdown.
Things only got worse for the Mustangs as they fumbled the ensuing kickoff which was recovered by Chartiers Valley. The Colts capitalized off the fumble recovery with Owen Weagraff scoring on a 13-yard reception.
The Colts outscored the Mustangs 33-7 in the second half. Lawrence and Dylan Czarnecki also recorded an interception in the fourth quarter while Tayshaun Lewis rushed for a 46-yard touchdown to close out the scoring in the game.
Both teams will resume conference play next Friday. Chartiers Valley will travel to “The Beach” to take on the defending WPIAL and PIAA 3A champions Belle Vernon while Laurel Highlands will host Ringgold.
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