Pittsburgh Central Catholic shuts down Pine-Richland in second half, wins top-ranked showdown 34-20

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Davis Natali | August 30, 2025

PITTSBURGH, PA — In a highly anticipated clash between the reigning WPIAL 6A and 5A champions, Central Catholic delivered a powerful second-half performance to secure its first victory of the season, defeating Pine-Richland 34-20 on Friday night.

The game began with fireworks, as Central Catholic sophomore Chris Black took the opening kickoff 100 yards for a touchdown. Pine-Richland immediately answered when junior Khalil Taylor returned the ensuing kickoff 95 yards to even the score at 7-7 before the overflowing crowd could even take their seats.

Pine-Richland put together a promising drive midway through the first quarter, but senior running back Mac Miller fumbled at the Vikings’ 22. The Rams bounced back on their next possession, as junior quarterback Aaron “Oobi” Strader connected with senior wide receiver Jay Timmons for a 35-yard touchdown, giving Pine-Richland a 14-7 lead with 1:56 remaining in the first quarter.

Central Catholic pulled even early in the second quarter on a 43-yard touchdown run by junior running back Roman Thompson, tying the game at 14. Pine-Richland responded with a strong drive into Viking territory, but it came to a halt when Strader was intercepted in the red zone by junior defensive back Jalen Smith. Strader quickly responded on the Rams’ next possession, breaking loose for a 53-yard touchdown run with 1:59 left in the half to put Pine-Richland back in front, 20-14. But the lead was short-lived, Central answered with a seven-play, 64-yard drive capped by a 13-yard touchdown pass from Sophomore Quarterback Owen Herrick to senior wide receiver Maceo Watkins with less than a minute on the clock, giving the Vikings a 21-20 edge heading into halftime.

Central added to its lead early in the third quarter with another touchdown run by Thompson, this time from 2 yards out. After that, the Vikings’ defense took over, shutting down the Rams’ offense and keeping them pinned deep in their own territory for most of the quarter.

Central had two more chances to score after driving into the red zone, but came up empty; one drive ended with a missed field goal, and the other with a turnover on downs. Despite those missed opportunities, Central stayed in control and entered the fourth quarter with a 28-20 lead.

Pine-Richland was unable to rally in the final period. Strader, who only completed one pass in the second half, threw his second interception of the game with 5:57 remaining. Central Catholic rode its ground game down the field, with Thompson sealing the win on his third rushing touchdown with just 52 seconds to play. Thompson finished the night with 15 carries for 126 yards, while the Central defense held the Rams to just 84 yards on 26 plays in the entire second half. 

The Vikings’ win ends a three-game losing streak against Pine-Richland, which dates back to 2022. Central Catholic (1-1) will look to build on this momentum in next week’s matchup with Woodland Hills. Pine-Richland (1-1), meanwhile, will try to regroup at home against Seneca Valley.

Photo provided by Pine Richland Athletics

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