The University Prep Wildcats saw their surprising postseason run come to an end on Saturday, November 9 when they fell to the heavily favored Clearfield Bison 34-24 at Brookville.
Despite playing a team that now sits at 11-0 on the season and has outscored their opponents by nearly 25 points per game this season, the 4-6 Wildcats kept within a touchdown until the fourth quarter, giving Clearfield their closest win of the season and keeping the door open for a miraculous comeback for the second weekend in a row.
Indeed, it was the Wildcats who drew first blood, opening the scoring with a four yard touchdown pass from quarterback Daimere Adair to receiver Zion Hauser. Clearfield responded immediately with a kickoff return touchdown, putting the Bison ahead 7-6.
University Prep pulled ahead with a fourth down touchdown rush, but point after tries continued to prove problematic as they could only extend their lead to 12-7. As such, the Bison took a nine point lead into the half after a pair of touchdown throws from quarterback Xavier Curry.
Although the Wildcats have mixed things up this season with a rotation of three quarterbacks, keeping opponents on their toes with unorthodox playcalling, Adair enjoyed the most success finding the end zone, connecting on two touchdown passes in the second half.
University Prep trailed 27-24 midway through the fourth quarter, holding a chance to get a stop and get their offense back on the field with the game on the line. Instead, a 51 yard touchdown scamper from Clearfield’s Carter Freeland dashed those hopes.
The Wildcats’ loss means just one Pittsburgh City League team remains in the PIAA state playoffs, the Westinghouse Bulldogs. Their postseason run in the 1A bracket will begin next weekend against Windber at a time and location not yet announced.
