BG/Southern to battle in clash of defending champions

Tagged under: District 4, District 6, News, Playoffs

Billy Splain | November 25, 2022

Bishop Guilfoyle vs Southern Columbia @ Mansion Park in Altoona

Both teams are familiar with playing in the state quarterfinals. As a matter of fact, both teams have won many quarterfinal games as well as state championships. This, however, is different. Neither has faced a defending state champion in their quarterfinal round. Because BG moved up in class this cycle, we have a rarity, something that has only happened this year. Defending champions playing for a chance to move on. (Central Valley and Aliquippa are in the same situation today).

Some had Jim Roth’s Tigers written off midway through the season. This was “the year MCA was supposed to get them. They’re down. Their run is over.” Just some of the many quotes about the demise of the perenial champs. It’s true, it DID look like the run was over. Injuries piled up on a roster that isn’t quite as deep as the Tiger Faithful is used to. Wes Barnes missed the first SCA/MCA game, but since his return several weeks ago, in addition to the addition of Isaac Carter, a soccer player, at defensive end, the Tigers are back on the prowl. Braedon Wislowski and Barnes are a formidable 1-2 punch, the type of run game that has garnered the Tigers many state titles. Both backs have surpassed 3,000 career yards.

Defensively the Tigers are led by returning all-state linebacker Dom Fetterolf. The sophomore has 132 tackles, nearly 50 more than any other player for the black and gold, and Tyler Arnold has a team-high five sacks. Jake Hoy and Jake Toczylousky each have picked off three passes.

For Bishop Guilfoyle, as Karson Kiesewetter rolls so roll the Marauders. The senior signal caller has thrown for over 1700 yards while also running for 1500. Stop him and the Tigers likely stop the Marauders. That’s the trick though, stopping him. If Southern does key on him, that leaves Cooper Rother and Drew Abraham open to run the ball. Both back are quite capable of carrying the team on their shoulders, however, missing Karson during the regular season finale against Bedford due to illness hurt BG. On defense the Marauders are tough, very tough. And aggressive. Kaden Wyandt, Anthony Cioffari, Dom Yanoshak and Sante Bambocci are a tackle by committee crew who swarm to the ball. Head coach Justin Wheeler like to dial up pressure from all sides of the ball and will with this group. BG has a whopping 86 tackles for loss along with 38 sacks.

This game has all the makings of a classic!

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