The Funding Zone
 
SAFR: Safer Through Science
 

The Crusader’s Drout continues as McDevitt falls 34-27 in the State Championship Game Gallery included @McD_Football_

Tagged under: District 3, Gameday Hub, News

| December 9, 2021

It’s been 26 years since the Crusaders of Bishop McDevitt have hoisted a State Championship trophy, after jumping out to a quick 13-0 lead over Aliquippa, it looked like the drought would be over, but it was not to be. The Quips outscored the Crusaders 34-14 the rest of the game, to take home the State Title, leaving McDevitt with what might have been. The Crusaders have a wealth of underclass talent led by freshman QB Stone Saunders (13-24-1 3TDs), junior RB Marquese Williams (12-40 1TD/3 rec 24 1TD) and junior linemen Riley Robell and Jamani George-Huron, coming back next year but as McDevitt coach Jeff Weachter said after the game, “In 2013 I thought we would be right back here and it took us 8 years to get back to the Championship game.”

McDevitt started out like a house of fire, on the second play from scrimmage Saunders hit speedster Mario Easterly on a quick slant that Easterly took 59 yards to the house, and Michael Chiha added the extra point. On the ensuing kickoff Chiha placed a perfect pop kick to the 30 yard line, backing the ball up like a Phil Michelson wedge, Jaire Rawlison recovered the fumble and Crusaders were in business at the Quips 27 yard line.  Five plays later Williams took the ball, racing 16 yards to the end zone, the point was missed, giving McDevitt a 13-0 lead. Unfortunately for the Crusaders Aliquippa would score 34 of the next 41 points. First freshman sensation Tiqwai Hayes bolted 42 yards up the middle to close the score to 13-7. Then Cameron Lindsey stepped in front of a Saunders pass, for a 34 yard pick six, giving the Quips their first lead 14-13. McDevitt would come right back with a Saunders to Kamil Foster connection on a slant pass for 55 yards, putting McDevitt back in front 20-14. Aliquippa would tie the game on a 2 yard plunge by Jon Tracey to tie the score at 20 as the first half ended.

As crisp as the first half was played the final half was filled with flags, and some uncharacteristic drops for the Crusaders. The third quarter would be a defensive struggle with neither team able to score. The Quips ate up the final 8 minutes of the third quarter scoring on the first play of the fourth quarter. The drive lasted 14 plays covering 80 yards. The Quips would come back to score 2 minutes later on a Tiqwai Hayes 8 yard run , making it 34-20. However the Crusaders had plenty of fight left in them. After being stopped on the Quips 7 yard line on fourth down, the McDevitt defense led by LB Ryan Russo, got the ball back for Saunders and the offense. With two gigantic Quips on his back, Saunders hit Williams on an 18 yard pass, making it 34-27.

After the Quips recovered the on sides kick, they were able to convert a 4th and a yard by inches and the Crusaders dream of a State Title were gone. Saunders after the game said, “We will get in the weight room, work hard and get back here next year.”  Coach Weachter echoed that feeling, “this was a tough one much like 2013, but we will be back.”

 

Scoring Summary:

https://pafootballnews.com/2021-piaa-championships-aliquippa-vs-bishop-mcdevitt/

Follow PA Football News on Twitter @PaFootballNews

 
 
QwikCut
 
GoRout
 
Rainbow Lettering
 
x