2024 PIAA Class 6A Title Game Preview: The Pittsburgh Central Catholic Vikings

Tagged under: District 7, News, pfn, Playoffs

Billy Splain | December 5, 2024

Pittsburgh Central Catholic v St. Joseph’s Prep
PIAA Class 6A Title Game
Saturday, 7pm

Pittsburgh Central Catholic Vikings
PIAA District 7
Head Coach Ryan Lehmeier

Overview: The last time these two teams met in a title game PCC got hammered 42-7. That was in 2016. None of the players on this years team were in high school, and Ryan Lehmeier wasn’t the head coach. Why is that important? It’s not. This is a new era for the Vikings. They’re a more well rounded team that can hit you with the pass and the run. Jy’aire Walls started off the season a bit shaky in his new role but he’s really matured and has command of his offense. The Vikings average 42 points each outing. Defensively they’re also sound. Roman Thompson and Bradly Gompers lead the defense that gives up 16 points per contest.

How’d they get to the title game: After starting the season with two losses the Vikings have rattled off 12 straight wins with ease. However, it wasn’t easy last week. The Vikings needed an interception with just seconds left to secure the win over Harrisburg to advance to the title game.

2024 Schedule:

Record: 12-2

08-17 10:00 am @ McKeesport (Scrimmage) – –
08-24 3:30 pm vs. St. Frances Academy (MD) 16-44 L
08-30 7:00 pm @ Pine-Richland 17-22 L
09-06 7:00 pm @ Woodland Hills 54-14 W
09-13 7:00 pm vs. Mount Lebanon 59-7 W
09-20 7:00 pm @ Hempfield Area 42-0 W
09-27 7:00 pm vs. North Allegheny 27-14 W
10-04 7:00 pm @ Shaler 56-7 W
10-11 7:00 pm @ Norwin 59-14 W
10-18 7:00 pm vs. Seneca Valley 61-7 W
10-25 7:00 pm vs. Canon-McMillan 38-13 W
11-08 7:00 pm vs. Seneca Valley 38-14 W
11-16 6:00 pm vs. North Allegheny 45-14 W
11-22 7:00 pm vs. State College 41-19 W
11-30 1:00 pm vs. Harrisburg 38-33 W
12-07 7:00 pm @ St. Joseph’s Prep ???

Key players/stats:

Jy’Aire Walls(Sr) 130/221(59%) 2486 28TD 4INT
89-123 11TD rushing
Elijah Faulkner(Sr) 268-1582 20TD 5.9ypc
Jayden Alexander(So) 83-442 6TD 5.3ypc
Bradley Gompers(Sr) 27-795 11TD
Xxavier Thomas(Sr) 34-677 9TDMax Roman(So) 31-498 5TD
9 turnovers; 20INT + 10 fum rec = +21 TO margin

Defense: 82TFL
Xxavier Thomas – 6INT
Ashton Blatt(Jr) 7 sacks, 13TFL
Roman Thompson(So) 90 tackles, 16TFL
Gompers 85 tackles 16TFL
Billy Lech(Sr) 54/56XP; 11/12FG; Long: 54

Keys on offense: Control the ball. Keep it away from the Hawk athletes. Get Faulkner running downhill to open the passing game.

Keys on defense: Position defense. It’s a cliche but it’s proven to work. They can’t let Prep get to the second level. Use their speed to track down the ball carrier. Thomas, Gompers, Gatten and company will need to keep the Viking defense in control.

Starting Lineup:

Full Roster HERE

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