Tigers bow out in WPIAL Quarterfinals
by: Girls Flag Football Contributor
North Allegheny Tops Kiski Area 34-20 in WPIAL Playoff Opener
The North Allegheny Lady Tigers secured a decisive 34-20 victory over the Kiski Area Lady Cavaliers in the opening round of the WPIAL Playoffs. The commanding performance, highlighted by spectacular defensive plays and explosive offense, advanced North Allegheny to the next stage of the tournament, which continued at 8 pm.
The Lady Tigers set the tone early, keeping the game firmly out of Kiski Area’s reach with a relentless defensive and offensive display:
Luci Zagacki (Senior): Delivered a standout performance, dismantling the Kiski Area offense with two incredible “pick-six” interceptions and adding a third touchdown on the day.
Vange Balouris (Senior): Contributed a massive pick-six of her own alongside two additional touchdowns to keep the momentum rolling.
Bella Devennie (Freshman): Converted a crucial extra point to solidify the scoring effort.
North Allegheny’s defense was an absolute wall against the Kiski attack, led by standout individual efforts in pulling and coverage:
Luci Zagacki: seven pulls
Ella Brinkley (Freshman): six pulls and one interception
Mia Bosley (Senior): five pulls and one interception
Brynn Hughey (Sophomore): five pulls
North Allegheny’s Playoff Run Concludes with Quarterfinal Loss to Shaler
Following their decisive opening-round victory, the North Allegheny Lady Tigers faced the Shaler Lady Titans in the WPIAL Quarterfinals. Despite a hard-fought battle on their home turf, the Lady Tigers fell 19-0.
Game Highlights & Recap
First Half Defense: Both teams engaged in a defensive battle, remaining scoreless until the second quarter. Shaler broke the tie with a long drive to take a 6-0 lead, but failed to convert the extra point.
Injury Setback: The Tigers rallied into Shaler territory just before halftime, but Zagacki sustained a lower-leg injury on the drive. North Allegheny was unable to convert before time expired, leaving the halftime score at 6-0.
Second Half Action: Shaler extended their lead late in the third quarter with a touchdown and an extra point to make it 13-0.
Offensive Spark: The Lady Tigers showed resilience in scoring territory, highlighted by two spectacular catches and carries by sophomore Giuliana Bontempo. However, a tough Shaler defense held strong in the red zone to limit further scoring.
Defensive Resistance: Seniors Alyssa Coy and Danika Hogan led the defense with a combined 10 pulls. Hogan used her exceptional speed and agility to stop the Shaler attack on fourth down twice with crucial sacks.
Season Finale and Senior Farewell
The quarterfinal defeat brings a close to a phenomenal season for the Lady Tigers, who finished the year with a stellar 15-2 record.
The North Allegheny community also wishes a fond farewell to the graduating class of seven seniors whose leadership defined the team’s success: Maddie Williams, Luci Zagacki, Danika Hogan, Mia Bosley, Vange Balouris, and Ella Knoch. The program wishes them the very best in their future endeavors.
