Belle Vernon and Central to Clash for Berth in State Championship

Tagged under: District 7, News, Playoffs

Nate Grella | December 2, 2022

The Belle Vernon Leopards got the monkey off their back last Friday with a win over Avonworth 24-7. The win gave the Leopards their first WPIAL title since 1995 after 5 years of knocking on the door. Now the Leopards will face off against a team that has also been knocking on the door, but for the chance to go to the state title game.

The Central Dragons will be headed to the 3A state semifinals for the second time in a row, courtesy of a decisive quarterfinal win over Grove City.

Jeff Hoenstine is the do-it-all QB for the Dragons, as his 316 yard, 3 TD performance was the spark behind the Dragons’ dominant win. Eli Lingenfelter was also a threat in the passing game, as the senior caught three second half TD passes a week ago to tie a state record.

The Leopards weren’t shy from setting records on Friday night as well. Quinton Martin was the spark for an otherwise lackluster offensive performance from the Leopards, adding TDs in both the passing game, the running game, and special teams.

The biggest aspect of the Leopards win at Acrisure Stadium on Friday came on the defensive side of the ball. Two key sacks from Steve Macheska helped flip momentum towards the Leopards as Belle Vernon went down 7-0 early to the Antelopes.

If the Central Dragons want the perfect game plan to stop the Leopards, they will have to keep Quinton Martin off of the field on offense. The Dragons were able to execute this plan to perfection against Grove City, despite Hoenstine having 32 passing attempts. The Dragons will have to crack the loaded secondary of Quinton Martin, Adam LaCarte, Alonzo Wade and Chase Ruokonen, all who have more than three interceptions this season.

Arguably the most dangerous moments on the field will be the special teams for the Dragons. Quinton Martin proved on Friday night, just as he has done all season, that when opposing teams kick to him, he will make them pay.

The Dragons have been in this position before. Last year, the Dragons met the Central Valley Warriors at this stage and got bounced by the Warriors by two touchdowns. Now with Central Valley up to 4A, and Belle Vernon down to 3A, is it the Leopards turn to make history? Or will experience prevail as the Leopards get caught riding the high from last Friday?

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