PIAA FOOTBALL STATE
CHAMPIONSHIPS
@ Hershey Park Stadium in Hershey, PA
Friday, December 12th and Saturday, December 13th



Highlights
Recaps
Stars of the Show

Photos:
Steel-High vs. Clairton
Wilmington West Catholic
Thomas Jefferson vs. Archbishop Wood
Liberty vs. Bethel Park

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The Games:

Friday, December 12th:

Single A Championship:
(16-0) Steelton-Highspire Steamrollers 35 (15-1) Clairton Bears 16
Steel High wins their second consecutive state title

Quick Snap: A powerful third quarter propelled Steel-High to their second consecutive state title. Clairton held the key weapon for the Rollers - running back Jeremiah Young - in check (he also apparently was playing through an ankle injury), but Steel High receiver Jordan Smith scored two touchdowns, and quarterback Andre Campbell contributed to four scores. The game was tied at 8 at halftime, and the Rollers exploded for the rest of their points (27) in the third thanks to good field position and increased defensive success.

Star of the Show:
Andre Campbell, QB of Steel-High

3 TD Rush, 1 TD Pass


AAA Championship:
(15-1) Thomas Jefferson 34 (12-3) Archbishop Wood 7
Jaguars roar to another state championship

Quick Snap: Archbishop Wood fumbled the opening kickoff and never bounced back from Jefferson's subsequent touchdown 28 seconds into the game. Jefferson quarterback Tyler Wehner threw for 3 touchdowns and rushed for 2, and the Jaguars just overpowered Wood. The Vikings showed some life early by making it a 14-7 game after a nice touchdown pass by quarterback Sean McCartney, but that was as close as they would get. Thomas Jefferson earned their second straight AAA title and their third this decade.

Star of the Show:
Tyler Wehner, QB of Thomas Jefferson

3 TD passes, 2 TD runs

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Saturday, December 13th

AA Championship:
(15-1) Wilmington Area Greyhounds 35 (14-2) West Catholic Burrs 34
(2 OT's)
Wilmington fights back from early deficit to win thriller

Quick Snap: In instant classic form, Wilmington and West Catholic duked it out to two overtimes, with Wilmington coming out on top. The Hounds were down 14-0 in the first half and were in danger of going down 21-0 at the half. Time, however, ran out on the Burrs on their last drive before halftime and the score remained 14-0. This would prove to be key, as Wilmington came back in the third to tie the ballgame at 14. The two teams then traded touchdowns, and this led to an exhilirating overtime period. Shane Wagner and Derrick Burns of Wilmington scored the touchdowns for Wilmington in the overtimes, including an improbable touchdown run by Wagner. West Catholic scored to make it a 35-34 game and elected to go for 2. Quarterback Curtis Drake went on a QB scramble and dove for the goal line, but came up just short, and the Wilmington players and their fans joyously erupted in triumph.

Stars of the Show:
Derrick Burns, RB & Shane Wagner, QB of Wilmington

Burns: 2 rush td's (Gamewinner in OT)
Wagner: 2 rushing td's (1 on 4th down in OT)


AAAA Championship:
(15-1) Liberty Hurricanes (15-1) Bethel Park Blackhawks
Liberty outlasts Bethel Park in tremendous game

After a game like that, there will be no doubt that these were the two most deserving teams to play in the AAAA final. Tight from start to finish, Liberty made one more play than Bethel Park and claimed a 28-21 victory. Bethel Park running back Lyle Marsh rumbled up and down the field for the Hawks, while Quarterback Anthony Gonzales made the difference for the Hurricanes with his legs. The game went into overtime and Gonzales scored a rushing TD for the 'Canes. Bethel Park got their chance to nod the game up, but Gonzales intercepted a pass in the end zone, ending the game and earning Liberty the AAAA title.

Star of the Show:
Anthony Gonzales, QB of Liberty

3 rush td's, 1 pass td, Game ending INT