2023 PIAA Class 4A Title Game Preview: Aliquippa

Tagged under: District 7, News, Playoffs

Shane Lux | December 6, 2023

Aliquippa Quips

PIAA District 7 – Class AAAA
League: WPIAL 4A Section 1
Head Coach: Mike Warfield

Overview: After winning it all in 2021 over Bishop McDevitt, the Quips fell to Crusaders in 2022 – a loss that has stayed with Aliquippa all season.

“Like I just told the team (Following the Selinsgrove Game), 12 months ago, we were in the same undefeated position but left that state championship game crying, said Aliquippa head coach Mike Warfield. “We need to get locked in.”

Unlike in 2021 and 2022, the opponent will be District 2’s Dallas. The Mountaineers upset the reigning state champions in overtime 26-23 in double overtime.

“When you get to this point, every team is good,” Warfield said. “We can’t favor playing one team over another. I know Dallas is going to be prepared. So we need to make sure we’re ready to go.”

No Aliquippa team has ever gone undefeated and won a state title.

“No Aliquippa team has ever gone undefeated and won it all,” said Warfield. “That’s what we’re going to try and do; we know it’s going to be tough.”

The Quips also won their 20th WPIAL title over McKeesport 35-21 on November 24 – a WPIAL record.

How they got to the Title Game: 

WPIAL Playoffs

Vs. Greater Latrobe 37-29

Vs. Mars 47-24

Vs. McKeesport 35-21

PIAA Playoffs

Vs. Selinsgrove 52-32

2023 SCHEDULE

Key players/Stats:

Quentin Goode is as good a quarterback as we’ll see in the title games

Tiqwai Hayes: Penn State Commit, 1,908 yards rushing, 20 TDs this season, 5,665 yards rushing, 76 TDs in career

Jon Tracy: 729 yards rushing, 13 TDs this season, 2,219 yards rushing, 38 TDs in career

Cameron Lindsey: Pittsburgh Commit – All-State Linebacker, Dangerous with the ball as well.

Brandon Banks: Yale Commit – All-State Defensive Back, One of the better wide receivers in the WPIAL

Offensive keys to winning:

Aliquippa will look to continue getting the ball in the hands of their playmakers. Running backs Tiqwai Hayes and John Tracy combined to rush for over 400 yards in the Quips’ semifinal victory. Aliquippa’s all-time passing leader Quentin Goode and top receiver DeMarkus Walker lead the passing game.

Defensive Keys to winning:

Defensively, the Quips are equally stout, with Divison 1 recruits Cameron Lindsey (Pitt) and Brandon Banks (Yale) leading the way as multiple-year all-state performers.

Starting Lineup:

OFFENSE: 

QB – Quentin Goode
RB – Tiqwai Hayes/John Tracy
FB – Clester Longmire Jr.
WR – Brandon Banks
WR – Jasir McCracken
WR – Arison Walker/DeMarkus Walker
WR – Josh Lay Jr
T – Kamari Matthews
T – Rico Miller
G – Justus Starks
G – Mylez Greene
C – Braylon Wilcox
TE – Michael Gaskins Jr/Jayace Williams

Defense

DB – Brandon Banks
DB – Arison Walker
DB – Tiqwai Hayes
DB – Qalil Goode/Demarkus Walker
DE – Michael Gaskins Jr/Cleaster Longmire
DE – Mehki Green
LB – Cameron Lindsey
LB – Shahar Underwood
T – Justus Starks
T – Jayace Williams
NG – Kamari Matthews

Punter/Kicker – Malachi Shegog
Long Snapper – Michael Gaskins Jr.

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