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Turnovers prove costly as Quips denied repeat

Tagged under: District 7, Gameday Hub, News, Playoffs

| December 9, 2022

Cumberland Valley – There will be no repeat as Bishop McDevitt beat Aliquippa 41-18 for its first state championship since 1995.

For Aliquippa, it’s a somber end to an outstanding 2022 campaign – the Quips could not overcome four turnovers and saw their 25-game winning streak snap in the process.

“They beat us today,” said Aliquippa head coach Mike Warfield. “They were prepared and ready for us. I always teach the kids about regrets. If you’re not prepared and doing what you’re supposed to do, then you’ll have regrets. These kids have nothing to regret tonight – they’ve played well all season long. We just got beat tonight. They were the better team.”

After forcing a three-and-out to begin the game, the Crusaders wasted no time getting on the scoreboard as Stone Saunders threw a 70-yard touchdown pass to Tyshawn Russell on McDevitt’s first snap of the game.

The Quips pulled to within a point when Brandon Banks intercepted a Saunders pass at the Crusaders’ 31-yard line.

Nine plays later, Quentin Goode connected with Cameron Lindsey on a 10-yard touchdown.

 

Bishop McDevitt used a pair of turnovers in the second quarter to take a 14-point lead into the locker room.

Aliquippa had driven to McDevitt 25-yard line – on second-and-17 from the 32-yard line, Goode’s screen pass was intercepted by Ty Kephart and returned to the Quips’ 6-yard line.

Two plays later, Saunders and Russell connected for the second time on a 12-yard touchdown pass.

On the Quips’ next possession, Tiqwai Hayes lost a fumble at his 25-yard line leading to Rico Scott’s 12-yard reception from Saunders that the Crusaders ahead 20-6 at halftime.

Following a forced punt to begin the second half, the Quips gained one first down before Goode was hit in the backfield, leading to another lost fumble at their 28-yard line.

Bishop McDevitt immediately capitalized when Russell hauled in his third touchdown pass of the night from 28 yards.

“It was a couple of bad decisions on those turnovers, but they forced them,” said Warfield. “We played without our starting center, so we needed to adjust slightly. Our numbers were hard to adjust, but they were bringing it today. You never want to turn the ball over. Would it have made a difference – maybe or not? ”

The Crusaders then went on a 9-play 63-yard drive capped by Russell’s fourth receiving touchdown from 11 yards out, giving McDevitt a 34-6 lead.

“The kids did the best they could. We’re not making any excuses,” Warfield said. “We’re not saying anything other than we’re giving them credit because they beat us tonight. Their quarterback and receivers were hot tonight. They’re a well-rounded and well-coached team.”

Tyshawn Russell finished the game with four receptions for 121 yards and four touchdowns. Stone Saunders completed 10-of-16 passes for 167 with five touchdowns and three interceptions. Marquese Williams rushed for a game-high 123 and a touchdown on 24 carries.

Aliquippa fought back as they turned a pair of interceptions into touchdowns – the first coming when Hayes stepped in front of a pass and returned it 55 yards for a touchdown late in the third quarter.

 

Donovan Walker then intercepted Saunders, and the Quips drove 48 yards in eight plays, with Goode scoring on 1-yard with 10:41 to play.

Goode finished the night 4-of-17 passing for 20 yards with a touchdown, two interceptions, and a rushing score. John Tracy led Aliquippa with 77 yards on 15 carries, while Hayes chipped in with 70 yards on 15 attempts.

However, that was all the closer the Quips would get as Bishop McDevitt went on a methodical 10-play 79-yard drive and put the finishing touches on their state championship victory with Marquese Williams’ 2-yard run with 5:27 to play.

For Aliquippa, they close their season as 2-time defending WPIAL champions and a state runner-up.

“For us to be able to make the state final again while playing up is a huge accomplishment, and I’m proud of this group,: concluded Warfield.

Game Highlights:

Game Photos:


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Bishop McDevitt 41 Aliquippa 18

Score by Quarters

Bishop McDevitt – 7 13 14 7 – 41

Aliquippa – 6 0 6 6 – 18

Scoring Summary

First Quarter

BM – Tyshawn Russell 70 yd Stone Saunders, (Gustavo Garcia), 10:20 – 1-70

A – Cameron Lindsey 10 yd Quentin Goode, (rush failed), 0:47 – 9-31

Second Quarter

BM – Russell 12 yd pass from Saunders, (kick blocked), 5:10 – 3-6

BM – Rico Scott 12 yd pass from Saunders (Garcia pat), 2:58 – 4-14

Third Quarter

BM – Russell 28 yd pass from Saunders, (Garcia pat), 10:12 – 1-28

BM – Russell 11 yd pass from Saunders, (Garcia pat), 4:19 – 9-63

A – Tiqwai Hayes 55 yd interception return, (kick failed), 2:07

Fourth Quarter

A – Goode 1 yd run, (pass failed), 10:41 – 8-48

BM – Marquese Williams 2 yd run, (Garcia pat), 5:27 – 10-79

Individual Stats

Rushing: BM – Marquese Williams 24-123, Saunders 8-(-12), Scott 2-0. 34-111. A – Tiqwai Hayes 15-70, John Tracey 15-77, Lindsey 1-(-2), Goode 4-(-22), Marques Council 3-(-3). Totals: 38-120

Receiving: BM – Russell 4-121, Scott 3-32, Nevan Hopkins 1-9, Jeffrey Penn 1-7, Williams 1-(-2). A – Isaiah Martinez 1-11, Lindsey 1-10, Demarkus Walker 1-7, Donovan Walker 1-(-8).

Passing: BM – Saunders 10-for-16, 167 yards, 5 TD, 3 INT. A – Goode 4-for-17, 20 yards, 1 TD, 2 INT.

Interceptions: BM – Ty Kephart, Kade Werner. A – Brandon Banks, Donovan Walker, Hayes.

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