Shenango holds off late California comeback to advance to the WPIAL 1A Semifinal 28-21 @carter_newcome
Tagged under: District 7, News
Nate Grella | November 2, 2020
By: Carter Newcome
The Shenango Wildcats were able to overcome a late California rally to win 28-21 in the first round of the WPIAL 1A playoffs.
After trailing 21-7 with just 5 minutes to play, the California Trojans were able to find lightning in a bottle. Jaeden Zuzak broke back to back 40 yard plus touchdowns to knot up the game at 21 all. However, with their season on the line, the Wildcats were able to drive down the field and win the game.
CATS TAKE THE LEAD! CJ Miller 2 yard run gives Shenango a 28-21 lead! :54 4Q @PaFootballNews @PaBackyard pic.twitter.com/RJo5xTBgnV
— Carter Newcome (@carter_newcome) October 31, 2020
CJ Miller gave the Cats the lead with just 58 seconds left in the game. The 2-yard touchdown run came after Santino Campoli found Ryan Lenhart down the sideline for a 37-yard gain. Lenhart had quite the game for Shenango. He had 3 catches for 61 yards and a score, including a ridiculous grab in the 3rd quarter.
Unreal Catch. Ryan Lenhart. Touchdown Cats. 21-7 10:05 3Q. @PaFootballNews @PaBackyard pic.twitter.com/F2eT09eu6u
— Carter Newcome (@carter_newcome) October 31, 2020
In the first quarter Lenhart had an interception that he took to the house, which gave Shenango a 6-0 lead. California answered early in the second quarter with a Jaeden Zuzak touchdown run. However, this would be the only Trojans lead of the night 7-6. Shenango would score on consecutive drives, at the end of the first half and at the beginning of the 2nd half. Giving the Cats a 21-7 lead.
PICK SIX! Shenango strikes first here in California via Ryan Lenhart! 6-0 Wildcats 4:19 1Q @PaFootballNews @PaBackyard pic.twitter.com/sGyZyCprDj
— Carter Newcome (@carter_newcome) October 30, 2020
California takes the lead! Jaeden Zuzak scores from 11 yards out! 7-6 Cal 8:09 2Q @PaFootballNews @PaBackyard pic.twitter.com/3z3RHHpstY
— Carter Newcome (@carter_newcome) October 30, 2020
CJ Miller sneaks his way into the end zone! Shenango tacks on 2-pt Conversion and takes a 14-7 lead with 4:57 to play in the first half. @PaFootballNews @PaBackyard pic.twitter.com/H7YZu2VSSe
— Carter Newcome (@carter_newcome) October 30, 2020
The teams traded possession of ball until late in the 4th quarter, then drama ensued. Zuzak would score from 44 yards to cut the lead to 21-14. California would then recover its onside kick. A few plays later, Jaeden Zuzak would beat everyone again (including my camera)
JAEDEN ZUZAK BEATS EVERYONE INCLUDING THE CAMERA! 41 yard TD run and hang on its 21-21 here in California! @PaFootballNews @PaBackyard pic.twitter.com/bnZ5ai9Bag
— Carter Newcome (@carter_newcome) October 31, 2020
on route to the endzone. Shenango would take back possession with just under 2 minutes to play. That’s when Campoli would find Lenhart for 37 yards and inside the 5-yard line. Miller would score from there to make it 28-21. California would get one last chance, however Shenango would close out California and advance in the playoffs.
A BIZARRE FINISH TO AN INCREDIBLE GAME! SHENANGO HOLDS ON TO WIN 28-21! They will advance to the WPIAL 1A Semifinals! @PaFootballNews @PaBackyard @AJWPIAL @WPIAL_Insider pic.twitter.com/SbHbXKlfCt
— Carter Newcome (@carter_newcome) October 31, 2020
California will finish with a final record of 6-1. Shenango will move on and will travel to Clairton next week to play the top seeded Bears.
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