Belle Vernon vs Hickory, December 1, 7:00 PM

@ North Allegheny

Season Recap:

Belle Vernon experienced a remarkable season this year, facing just one loss to Thomas Jefferson. They solidified their season with a commanding victory in the WPIAL Championship against Avonworth, securing a consecutive title. The Leopards displayed dominance by shutting down the third-best offense in WPIAL, preventing them from scoring any points. Eager to maintain their momentum, they now set their sights on the PIAA, aiming for a back-to-back triumph as they prepare to face Hickory.

Key’s on Offense:

The offensive prowess of the Leopards is highlighted by a multitude of talents, with running back Quinton Martin standing out as a key contributor. In the recent victory, however, the spotlight shifted to quarterback Braden Laux, who played a pivotal role in the success. Laux showcased his skills by completing 12 out of 21 passes for 155 yards, contributing one touchdown while also taking charge as the lead rusher with a total of 61 yards on the ground and two additional touchdowns. The strategic success behind this performance lies in utilizing Quinton Martin as a decoy to draw coverage, effectively opening up opportunities for other players on the team.

Key’s on Defense:

The Leopards’ defense delivered an outstanding performance last week, successfully shutting out the third-best offense in the WPIAL. The foundation of their defensive prowess lies in the dynamic play of their defensive line, which relentlessly attacked the line of scrimmage, creating chaos in the pocket throughout the entire game. Following suit, the secondary demonstrated exceptional lockdown capabilities, playing tightly on every receiver for the duration of the game. This comprehensive defensive effort significantly contributed to their impressive showing against a formidable opponent.

 Wrap-up

To secure a victory against the Hickory Hornets, the Leopards must maintain their focus on containing the pass, given Hickory’s inclination towards a pass-heavy strategy. Keeping consistent pressure in the pocket will be crucial to induce error throws from the opposing quarterback. On the offensive front, Belle Vernon must sustain a steady and reliable performance throughout the entire game. The key to success lies in ensuring that the Leopards can contain their achievements and replicate their winning formula to achieve the coveted PIAA Championship for the second year in a row.