Tigers ready for Penn Hills showdown
By JEREMY SELLEW
jsellew@yourmvi.com
It took a little longer to get going than expected, but the McKeesport Tigers were able to advance to the WPIAL quarterfinals with a 21-20 come-from-behind win over Baldwin in the first round.
Devari Robinson scored on a 26-yard touchdown run for the tying touchdown and Anthony Beitko booted the game-winning extra point with 1:04 remaining in the game.
The reward for the Tigers (8-3) is a quarterfinal rematch with Penn Hills (10-1) at Hempfield Friday. The Indians eliminated McKeesport last season with a 34-7 win.
While the personnel is different, there is plenty of familiarity between the two teams.
“They look real familiar,” Tigers head coach Matt Miller said. “The names are different, but they still have a lot of speed, a lot of skill.”
After a less-than-stellar practice Tuesday, Miller was pleased with his team’s output Wednesday.
“We didn’t have school Tuesday, so I wasn’t thrilled,” Miller said. “(Wednesday) was much better. After the big win Friday, I know the guys are excited to get another crack at them. I’m not ready for our season to end and I know these guys aren’t either.”
The Indians are led by the aerial attack from quarterback Eddie McKissick. The senior has thrown for over 1,300 yards this season with 17 touchdowns against only three interceptions.
Three receivers – Anthony Grimes (7), Dontae Pollard (7) and Noel Roach (3) – have combined to catch all 17 of McKissick’s touchdowns.
“McKissick’s a big, strong kid. They really like him throwing the ball downfield,” Miller said. “They got a nice little running game, too, and they do a lot of different things with the line. They have guys pulling all over the place.”
Leading the Indians’ rushing attack is senior Germar Howard. He’s carried 129 times for 1,047 yards and nine touchdowns. He’s averaging over eight yards per carry.
“We have to be steady in our assignments and we have to do a good job of tackling defensively,” Miller said. “Our guys have to do their job. Don’t try to do someone else’s.”
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