Underdog EF ready for 3A clash

By Jose Negron

jnegron@yourmvi.com

In earning a hard-fought 17-0 semifinal win over North Catholic last week, Elizabeth Forward shut down an offense that had averaged 44 points per game. 

The third-seeded Warriors forced four turnovers in the second half of the win and allowed the Trojans to muster just 126 yards of total offense. 

Now, EF’s stingy defense will face its toughest test of the year when it meets top-seeded Central Valley in the WPIAL Class 3A championship game 7 p.m. tonight at North Allegheny. 

Central Valley (9-0), which is seeking its second consecutive WPIAL title, enters the game as the top-ranked team in the state and the second-highest scoring offense in the WPIAL (53.6 points per game).

“They’re extremely talented and they’re the pinnacle of 3A football,” EF head coach Mike Collodi said. “They’re fast at every position and we’ve been emphasizing the speed that they have all week.” 

EF’s defensive unit, which is allowing just 9.1 points per game this season, has garnered respect from coaches and players throughout Class 3A this season, including Central Valley head coach Mark Lyons. 

“Elizabeth Forward’s defense deserves all the credit they are getting. They are physical and run to the ball very well,” Lyons said. “Offensively, we will need to find ways to successfully run the ball for tough yards. (EF is) playing in the WPIAL title game for a reason. They’re well-coached and fundamentally sound in all areas.”

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