Belle Vernon Gets Over the Hump in 24-7 WPIAL Title Win over Avonworth

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Nate Grella | November 25, 2022

Snakebitten no more. The Belle Vernon Leopards are the WPIAL champions. Behind a three touchdown performance by star athlete Quinton Martin, the Leopards are finally doing something they haven’t done in more than 20 years, playing in December.

It didn’t come easy, especially in the first half. Avonworth opened the game stout on defense, forcing the Leopards to a three and out on their first drive, and then intercepting Laux to give the Lopes prime field position on the second drive.

The Lopes capitalized on the turnover, with Brandon Biagiarelli putting the Lopes on the goal line with a 6 yard rush, then jumping in himself on the following play.

Brandon Biagierelli opens up the scoring for the Leopards

The Leopards weren’t out of it that early however, as on the next drive Laux, Gedekoh and Martin marched down the field leading to a Willie Schwerha field goal.

Belle Vernon got the ball back quickly, and with 1:23 left in the second half, on 4th and 6, Laux took a heave toward the endzone. Quinton Martin was able to create separation from the defender, make the grab and fall over the goal line. 10-7 Leopards at the half. They wouldn’t look back.

Martin lands in the endzone to put the Leopards up 10-7

Quinton Martin added to the Leopards lead twice in the second half. With 5:42 left in the 3rd quarter, Quinton Martin fielded the first punt not out of bounds on the night. Martin took it, sprinted up the sidelines, cut back toward the field, shimmied and shook around defenders, and dove into the endzone for a 51 yard return to put the Leopards up by 10.

Martin added to his total in the fourth, with a 45 yard house call down the right sideline. With 8:48 left in the game, the Leopards were up by 17 and ready to write their name in the record books.

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