2A Championship: Southern Columbia 49, Aliquippa 14
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Pa Football News | December 19, 2015
Turnovers can make or break your season. For the Southern Columbia, it helped make them champions again.
The Tigers’ defense forced a PIAA record 7 turnovers including a pick six by Billy Marzeski that propelled Southern Columbia to the PIAA Class 2A Championship with 49-14 victory over Aliquippa.
It marks the seventh football championship for the District 4 school which is also a state record. The Tigers had been tied with Berwick with six.
Although Southern Columbia had a 297 to 236 total yardage edge, it was Tigers defense and the seven turnovers that was the difference.
“We have forced turnovers all season, but in the playoffs our defense has really come up huge,” said Tigers head coach head coach Jim Roth. “Obviously today, that was a big part of the win.”
Quarterback Nick Becker rushed for 88 yards and ran for two touchdowns plus threw for another 82 yards. Hunter Thomas and Jared Torres also each added two rushing touchdowns as the Tigers finished the season a perfect 16-0.
Becker, who was injured back in Week 1, received high praise from his head coach.
“He just showed what he is made of today,” said Roth. “He has the heart and desire and the way he ran the offense the past several weeks doesn’t say enough of what he has meant to the team”
The key drive of the game came before halftime after Aliquippa had cut the lead to 21-14 on Jassir Jordan’s 41-yard hook and ladder TD play. Southern Columbia bounced right back with a six-play, 60 yard drive that only took 1:03 off the clock to extend the lead back to two touchdowns at halftime.
Aliquippa coach Mike Zmijanac acknowledged the turnovers doomed the Quips.
“We just did too many things wrong ourselves and they took advantage of it.”
Senior running back and Pitt recruit Kaezon Pugh led Aliquippa with 19 carries for 109 yards and a touchdown.
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