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TIGERS RUN WILD, DISMANTLE SHALER, 45-0

To listen to a replay of the game, click here!
 

Powered by a lethal rushing attack and unforgiving defense, North Allegheny dominated Shaler on both sides of the ball Friday night at Newman Stadium.  On Senior Night, it was fitting that several of the biggest contributors were upperclassmen.  Senior Alex Papson ran for 289 yards on just 19 carries, scoring three first half touchdowns.  Senior quarterback Michael Buchert ran for a touchdown of his own and also threw a touchdown pass in the 45-0 thrashing.

Shaler started the game with some momentum on offense, completing a few short passes and screens for a couple of first downs before being forced to punt.  The Titans defense stymied the Tigers on their first possession, as North Allegheny had to settle for an Alex Greenblatt field goal from 26 yards.  However, these turned out to be the bright spots for Shaler as North Allegheny imposed their will on both sides of the ball. 

Following another Shaler punt, the Tigers quickly capitalized with Papson’s 61-yard touchdown, his longest run of the night.  As the Titans struggles on offense continued, North Allegheny expanded its lead with each possession.  Early in the second quarter, Buchert hit fullback Nick Passodelis in the right flat.  Passodelis made a Titan defender miss, then tiptoed up the sideline for a 27-yard touchdown.  Papson added two more touchdown runs before halftime, extending the lead to 31-0 at the break.  North Allegheny completely dominated the first half, winning the total yards battle 332-52.  The offensive line did a phenomenal job blocking, as Papson carved the Titans defense for several long runs, rushing for 235 yards before halftime. 

The Tigers defense, led by Kevin Cope, Kevin Clemens, and Justin Haser, swarmed Titans quarterback Ryan Mincher all night, allowing him no time to throw downfield, or even set his feet in the pocket.  Their longest play all night went for just fourteen yards.  Without the services of running back JP Holtz, out after a leg injury, their rushing attack was virtually non-existant, netting just 52 yards on 30 attempts.

In the second half, Buchert scored a rushing touchdown, upping the score to 38-0.  Following this series, North Allegheny stood strong while rotating several players into the game.  The game scoring was capped off when Kevin Edwards caught a 5-yard touchdown from quarterback Tom Keisling, after a Shaler fumble deep in their own zone.  For leading the Tigers rushing attack with 289 yards, the North Allegheny Sports Network named Alex Papson as its Wright Automotive North Allegheny Player of the Game.

With the loss, Shaler falls to 5-3.  Next week the Titans host Pine-Richland in their regular season finale.  A win will catapult Shaler into the playoffs.  North Allegheny travels down Route 19 to North Hills, where they face the rival Indians for the Northern Seven conference title.  Fans are reminded that next week both schools are organizing a pink-out, in order to raise awareness for breast cancer and collect funds for the Young Women’s Breast Cancer Foundation.  Football players will be sporting decals on their helmets, while cheerleaders and band members will be displaying pink ribbons on their uniforms for the occasion.  Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 and can be heard on the North Allegheny Sports Network.

Photo Gallery

GAME SUMMARY
NORTH ALLEGHENY – 45  SHALER - 0

INDIVIDUAL SCORING

TEAM STATS

Statistics Courtesy of Steve Heckmann

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Any questions or comments should be directed to Athletic Director
Bob Bozzuto at:  bbozzuto@northallegheny.org