Football News

Following a 21-0 shutout of Friendship Collegiate Academy last week, the North Allegheny Tigers opened conference play by holding the Norwin Knights scoreless for a 42-0 win. It’s the first time since 2013 that the Tigers have posted back-to-back shutouts. In 2013, NA ended the regular season with a whitewash of North Hills, 31-0, and then blanked Bethel Park in the opening round of the playoffs, 28-0.

On Friday night, the Tigers defense swarmed under Norwin quarterback Jack Salopek to the tune of eight sacks. The Western Michigan commit was limited to 5 of 12 passing for 108 yards.

With defense ruling the day, it was senior defensive lineman Sam Sheridan who earned Wright Automotive Player of the Game honors. Sheridan tied for the team in lead in tackles with 4.5 stops and posted 2.5 sacks. On offense, Sheridan added three carries for 38 yards. Senior Justus Gildon also tallied 4.5 tackles in the contest.

While the Knights offense was held in check, the NA offense had their way with the Norwin defense. The Tigers outgained the Knights on the evening, 433-102, and spread the wealth with five different players scoring rushing touchdowns.

It was a passing touchdown that opened the scoring in the first quarter, as senior quarterback Ben Petcshke tossed a 7-yard pass to Brayden Prekop for a 7-0 lead.

While it was a passing touchdown that broke the ice, it was North Allegheny’s ground attack that wore down the Knights. In the second quarter, Luke Colella raced to the end zone on a 24-yard run and Percise Colon scored from 4-yards out for a 21-0 halftime lead. Colon finished the night with 14 carries for 122 yards rushing.

In the third quarter, J.P. Cantu rumbled into the end zone from 38-yards out, Ben Rohan scored on a 14-yard run and Peter Vardzel crossed the goal line on a 1-yard QB keeper to finish off a 42-0 win.

Also of note in the victory, junior kicker Brandon Persad was 5 of 5 on extra points. Sophomore kicker Haleymae Graf scored NA’s 42^nd point with an extra point to cap the scoring with 23 seconds to play in the third quarter. It is the first time in program history that a female has scored a point in a varsity football game.

North Allegheny improves to 2-0 on the season and 1-0 in Class 6A. The Tigers will take on fellow undefeated Central Catholic next week in a major conference clash at 7:30 p.m. from Shaler Middle School.

Football Summary vs. Norwin, 8-30-19

GAME SUMMARY
SCORE BY QUARTERS	1	2	3	4	FINAL
Norwin	0	0	0	0	0
North Allegheny	7	14	21	0	42