Published Sunday, Nov. 23, 1997
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WPIAL football title games
By The Associated Press
CLASS AAAA
Upper St.Clair 28, Penn-Trafford 27
PITTSBURGH (AP) _ Matt Moritz ran 50 yards for a touchdown and Justin Sujansky added the extra point with 6:13 remaining to lead Upper St. Clair to a 28-27 victory over Penn-Trafford in the WPIAL Class AAAA playoff game Saturday at Three Rivers Stadium.Upper St. Clair (11-1) was making its eighth appearance in 10 years in the title game and claimed its fourth title. Penn-Trafford (10-3) was making its first appearance in the title game.
The victory earns Upper St. Clair a berth in the PIAA tournament. The Panthers will face Erie McDowell in the semifinals Nov. 29 at Pitt Stadium.
CLASS AAA
West Allegheny 51, Brownsville 24
Matt Majocka and Kenya Allen combined for 243 yards rushing and five touchdowns to lead West Allegheny over Brownsville (11-2).Majocka rushed for 139 yards on 21 carries and scored on touchdown runs of 43, 35, and 34 yards to lead West Allegheny (12-1).
It's the first WPIAL title for West Allegheny and earns the Indians a berth in the PIAA tournament. The Indians will face Perry in the semifinals Nov. 29 at a site to be determined.
CLASS AA
South Park 38, Shady Side Aca. 6
Brian Guzek scored two touchdowns and Rob Sweany blocked two punts to lead South Park to a victory over Shady Side Academy.Defense was the key in South Park's first WPIAL title. The Eagles (11-1) blocked three punts, intercepted four passes, and forced one fumble.
Shady Side (11-1) entered the game as the WPIAL's only remaining undefeated team.
The victory earns South Park a berth in the PIAA tournament. The Eagles will face Wilmington in the semifinals Nov. 29 at Pitt Stadium.
CLASS A
Riverview 19, Fort Cherry 14
Lucas Heakins rushed for 143 yards and one touchdown on 21 carries to lead Riverview over Fort Cherry. It was Riverview's first title after finishing second in two of the last three years. Fort Cherry was making its first trip to the finals.Fort Cherry (10-3) got on the scoreboard late in the third quarter with a 4-yard run by Mike Vernillo, who led the Rangers with 127 yards on 32 carries.
Riverview (10-3) sealed its victory with a 52-yard touchdown pass from Justin Dudczak to Chad Beynon with 10:36 left in the fourth quarter.
Riverview's victory earned it a berth in the PIAA tournament. The Raiders will face Sharpsville.
