Battle looming: Quips & Vikings will fight for the Trip to the Chap

Tagged under: District 11, District 7, News, Playoffs

Billy Splain | November 30, 2022

Allentown Central Catholic (9-5) and Aliquippa (12-0)  will travel to Bald Eagle Area and face off for the right play for the PIAA Class 4A title. 

Records aside, this game should be entertaining. The Vikings may have five losses, but four of them came at the hands of top ranked 6A teams this year. Coach Tim McGorry’s team rattled off 50 unanswered points last week against Meadville.  They’re led by Tamlin Ferguson at quarterback. Fergusen has been a solid lead behind center for the Vikings since taking over at QB in October. Running back Caiden Shaffer is coming off a 4 touchdown performance against Meadville in the quarterfinals and has run for over 1,200 yards this season. Jareel Calhoun at the wideout spot is always a danger to break one and has over 500 yards receiving. Defensively the Vikings are solid. Griffin Patridge at safety is solid. On the defensive line, 6-3, 305 pound Braheem Battles is a force along with Ferguson and Matthew Keys at the linebacker positions.

For Aliquippa, this storied program, led by HC Mike Warfield, won the 4A WPIAL title last week by taking down defending 3A champions (now 4A) Central Valley. Running back Tiqwai Hayes electrified the stadium in last years title game and continues to do so this year. Hayes had three touchdowns last week and on the season has run for over 1700 yards. John Tracy is a big back that is a nice compliment to the speed of Hayes, having rushed for over 900 yards. Quarterback Quenton Goode at quarterback has improved over last year and has thrown for over 1700 yards with 19 td passes. He’ll look for Donovan Walker and Brandon Banks at the wideout slots. Both receivers are capable of avoiding the defense and breaking loose for the big gain. Defensively the Quips are menacing. Naquan Crowder, Jay Williams and company give the Quips an average of over 300 pounds on the line. With Nate and Cameron Lindsey roaming the defense at safety and linebacker, the Vikings will find it tough sledding.

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