Aliquippa and Central Valley Ready for Historic Rematch in 4A WPIAL Title At Acrisure

Tagged under: District 7, News, Playoffs, Podcasts

Nate Grella | November 24, 2022

The biggest game on the biggest stage. How else can you describe two schools that are six miles apart from each other that have four state championships between them in the last four seasons, and seven WPIAL titles?

The last team each of these teams met with each other in the WPIAL title game was in 2019. Since then, the Quips have been moved up to 4A, won a WPIAL and state title, while Central Valley, with no one their adversary, went back to back in 3A. Now both teams are together again, and facing off on one of the biggest stages.

In Week 9 in a showdown of undefeateds, At halftime, the Warriors held a 24-14 lead and were in command of the game. But as the saying goes, never count out the Quips. On the first play of the second half, Tiqwai Hayes ran 71 yards to the shadow of the goal line. It was all Quips from there, scoring 21 unanswered to win comfortably.

For the Quips, the success has been found from all over the offense. Quentin Goode has 18 TDs and only 3 picks. 11 of those throws have been to Donovan Walker and Brandon Banks alone. The Quips have ridden a star young runner in Tiqwai Hayes behind a historically dominant offensive line. Hayes has 28 touchdowns so far this season and nearly 1700 yards.

The Quips showed in their semifinal matchup why their defense line is one of if not the best in the state. Not only did Aliquippa shut down the McKeesport trademark flexbone offense, but also forced the Tigers to four turnovers. One of the turnovers was a pick six by defensive lineman Jason McBride, and one of the others was an 88 yard scoop and score by defensive lineman Naquon Crowder.

On the Central Valley side it’s like looking in a mirror. Bret Fitzsimmons has rushed for 1723 yards this season for the Warriors, the lynchpin of the offense. Antwon Johnson as QB has been consistent when relied upon, throwing for over 1300 yards and 16 TDs. His main target has been Jayvin Thompson who is responsible for nearly half of those yards.

Both of these teams have a wealth of prestige and talent. Now at a new level, and on a similar stage, two of the top teams in the area will square off, with everything on the line.

All WPIAL Title Games broke down here:

Follow PA Football News on Twitter @PaFootballNews