Aidan Grella’s 24-yard field goal as time expired gave defending PIAA champion Biship McDevitt a walk-off win against Peters Township in the 5A state semifinals. McDevitt used three splash plays to build a 21-10 halftime lead, scoring on a long pass, a long run and a punt return. Nolan DiLucia touchdown passes to Lucas Rost and PJ Luke less than five minute apart gave Peters Township its only lead midway through the fourth quarter. A McDevitt 60-yard drive put the Crusaders back in front with 4:11 to play. The Indians moved from their own 7-yard-line to a first and goal at the McDevitt eight-yard-line. When the drive stalled, Peters Township tied the game on Anthony Maiello’s second field goal of the game, a 25-yard kick. One more splash play set up Grella’s winning kick, a 41-yard crossing route and catch by Ish Palmer to the Peters’ 8. Watch/Listen Here
In other Saturday games, Central Catholic jumped to a 15-0 lead and never looked back, beating Harrisburg to reach a 9th PIAA title game. Chrys Black carried 37 times for 217 yards and three Vikings’ touchdowns to lead the way. Juelz Johnson ran for 240 yards and three touchdowns, Dey’Mar Cain added a 78-yard Pick Six, leading Farrell back to the state finals, eliminating Seton-La Salle. Farrell will make a 7th state championship game appearance Friday afternoon.
PIAA Football Semifinals — PIAA Brackets
Saturday
6A Central Catholic 32, Harrisburg 14
5A Bishop McDevitt 31, Peters Township 28
2A Farrell 40, Seton-La Salle 19
Friday
4A Twin Valley 28, Aliquippa 24
3A Avonworth 31, Penn Cambria 15
1A Clairton 57, Greenville 0