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Aliquippa Outlasts McKeesport 27-21 in Double Overtime Battle GALLERY @quipfootball @NathanGrella @PaBackyard

Tagged under: District 7, News

| November 20, 2021

The roller coaster ride was finally at the station. After multiple battles, scoring changes, high emotional wins and defeats, Jayce Williams ended it. A 6 yard bootleg that left the sophomore tight end wide open in the endzone in the game’s second overtime gave the Aliquippa Quips passage back to Heinz Field, their 14th trip in a row.

It’s been over 60 years since the Tigers and the Quips lined up across opposite sidelines, and their first meeting in those years lived up to expectation. After a short drive by the Tigers, and then a big goal-line stand fumble recovery for McKeesport, Bobbie Boyd broke the even score from 47 yards out.

A quick defensive stop later, and Caleb Reist did much of the same, this time from 34 yards. Early into the second quarter, the Aliquippa defense had no answers for the Tigers big play ability.

With their backs against the wall, the Quips defense stood up. After forcing a Tigers punt, the Quips got on the scoreboard quickly with a 1 yard scamper from John Tracy.

On the following kickoff, Emmanuel Mandy’s kick would bounce off of a McKeesport receiver and be recovered by the Quips. Moments later, on 4th down, freshman phenom Tiqwai Hayes tied the game up at 14 heading into the half.

The 3rd quarter would move quickly and without flaw, as both teams would have liked to control the clock. With over a minute left, Bobbie Boyd changed that trend, taking the ball 62 yards back for a Touchdown off of an Interception.

With their backs against the wall once again, the Quips showed that same resiliency. A Tiqwai Hayes long run would set up his second TD of the night to knot the score up at 21.

The Tigers following drive would be turned over on downs with 4:25 left in regulation. The Tigers in turn would make a similar stop with 1:15 left. The Tigers, however, would try to pull off a fake punt, giving the Quips field position just out of the redzone. One minute later, a FG attempt for the Quips from the 21 would be blocked, sending the game to Overtime.

The Tigers defense would be the first to stand up in overtime, shutting down Aliquippa four consecutive times to give their offense a chance to win. Three plays later, McKeesport set themselves up within the 10. The kick flew high and right, just outside the post. A second overtime would be required.

The Tigers offense struggled to find traction in their second opportunity, and had it not been for a Pass Interference penalty, would not have moved forward at all. Nonetheless, the Tigers offense came up empty, fumbling on 3rd down, and all the Quips would need was one score to send themselves to Heinz.

Two plays into the second half of the second overtime, a Quentin Goode connection to an uncovered Jayce Williams sent the Quips to Heinz Field, and etched the Quips into another chapter of memorable semifinals showdowns.

What’s Next?: The Aliquippa Quips will face off in the 4A Championship game at Heinz Field Saturday against the undefeated Belle Vernon Leopards. The last time these two teams faced off was in the semifinals a year ago where the Quips etched their spot in the 2020 title game.

 

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