Warriors crush E. Allegheny for first victory

Ryan Messina threw for a pair of touchdowns and ran for two more.

By the Mon Valley Independent

After two difficult losses by a combined two points, Elizabeth Forward dominated East Allegheny, 41-14, Friday to capture its first win of the year.

The Warriors (1-2) put up 21 points in the first quarter as they took an early lead through two Charlie Nigut touchdowns and a score from Brenden Stroschein. Ryan Messina tossed one score to Nigut and one more to Stroschein in the win.

Messina also scored on two touchdown runs to total four scores on the night. Nigut finished with 21 carries for 141 yards and two scores on the ground.

Up next for the Warriors is a home matchup with South Fayette.

Bentworth 35, Charleroi 28

Trailing 28-14 at halftime, Charleroi rallied to score 14 third quarter points and tie it, but Bentworth had the last laugh in Friday night’s action.

A 58-yard touchdown scamper from Ben Hays in the fourth quarter proved to be the difference in the contest.

Hays finished with 142 yards and a score on 12 carries for the Bearcats (2-1).

For Charleroi (0-3), Jackson Keranko finished 15 for 31 with 116 yards and two touchdowns. Noah Pletcher caught five passes for 60 yards and a touchdown.

Bentworth will play against California next week while Charleroi will host Seton LaSalle in section play.

Leechburg 48, Serra Catholic 27

The Eagles were up 14-13 at the break, but surrendered 21 points in the third quarter which proved to be the difference in Friday’s game.

Jayden Floyd, who finished with 261 rushing yards and four scores for Leechburg, scored in the third to make it 20-14. Jake Cummings scored a 15-yard rushing touchdown and Timmy Andrasy added a 42-yard pick-six to suddenly give the victors a 34-14 advantage.

De’reon Washington posted a receiving score, a rushing touchdown, and a return TD, but it wasn’t enough for Serra Catholic (0-3).

The Eagles will hope to rebound next week at Monessen in section play.

Clairton 50, Shady Side Acad. 0

Drahcir Jones posted 297 yards and three touchdowns on 34 carries as the Bears dismantled Shady Side Academy Friday.

Clairton (3-0) boats three strong wins to open the year, including Friday’s win at a Class 2A opponent.

Now, the Bears will turn their sights to Greensburg Central Catholic. That contest will be the first of the season for Clairton at Thomas Jefferson’s stadium next Saturday due to Clairton’s field renovations. Kickoff is set for noon Saturday.

West Mifflin 49, Baldwin 0

Armand Hill tallied six touchdowns, including four in the fourth quarter, as West Mifflin dominated visiting Baldwin.

Hill, who totaled 171 yards on 18 carries, scored on runs of 35, 10, 16, 31, 4 and 19 yards. Darnell Carswell also added a 3-yard running touchdown.

The Titans (2-0) will look to stay undefeated next Friday at Bethel Park.

Ringgold 21, Yough 19

Trailing in the fourth quarter, Ringgold stormed back to steal a win from Yough and end the longest losing streak in the WPIAL at 27.

Yough went up 7-0 in the first and carried a 13-7 lead into the break. After a scoreless third quarter, Yough (2-1) added six points while the Rams (1-2) added 14.

The Cougars will return to action against New Castle on Friday while the Rams will look for another victory against Greensburg Salem.

South Allegheny 37, Carlynton 13

South Allegheny earned its first 3-0 start since 1977 in a dominant win over Carlynton Friday.

The Gladiators entered the final quarter with a 30-0 lead over Carlynton (2-0) before it managed 13 points.

Cam Epps finished with 108 rushing yards and a score on eight carries whole Drew Cook pulled down eight grabs for 94 yards and three touchdowns.

Quarterback Ryan Cortes threw all three of his scores to Cook, finished 14 of 22 for 142 yards.

South Allegheny will look to add to its winning streak next Friday when it hosts OLSH.

Waynesburg Central 28, California 18

The Trojans kicked the game off with a 78-yard kickoff return from Alan Dennis, but Waynesburg Central responded with 28 straight points and came up with the victory.

Lee Qualk finished with 146 rushing yards and a touchdown on 17 rushes for the Trojans (1-2).

California will look to break its two game skid at Bentworth.

Golf Girls Belle Vernon 188, Ligonier Valley 202

The Leopards handed the Rams only their second section loss with a 14-stroke win Friday on the Red Course at Cedarbrook Golf Course.

Vittoria Scaramucci claimed medalist honors for Belle Vernon (3-6, 3-4), shooting a 41. Sydney Stark added a 45 and Felicia Kruppa added a 46.

Shooting lowest for Ligonier Valley (6-3, 5-2) was Addy Witoski with a 46.

Belle Vernon travels to Greensburg Central Catholic Tuesday for a section match.