Cole Neupaver scored three times after intermission as Peters Township rallied past Pine-Richland, 20-19, to win the WPIAL 5A football championship. Pine-Richland dominated the first half, outgaining the Indians, 205-38 yards. Aaron Strader ran for one score and passed for another for the Rams. After intermission, the script flipped as the Peters Township defense shut down Pine-Richland nearly completely. The Rams managed just three first downs after the break plus a fumble lost. Neupaver scored on run of 74, 22 and 1 yard to give Peters the lead. The defense needed one more stop and got it on downs inside the 30 yard line, Reston Lehman tackling a scrambling Aaron Strader. Peters Township then ran out the clock. Anthony Maiello kicked a pair of PATs for Peters Township, the difference in the final score. Pine-Richland failed on a pair of two-point conversion attempts, then kicked the extra point on its third touchdown. The WPIAL title is the second in three seasons for the Indians who advance to the PIAA semifinals next weekend against District 3 champion Bishop McDevitt. Peters/Pine-Richland Listen Here
WPIAL Football Championships, Saturday at Acrisure Stadium WPIAL Brackets
1A #2 Clairton 8, #4 Laurel 6
2A #1 Seton-La Salle 21, #3 Steel Valley 14
3A #1 Avonworth 30, #2 Imani Christian 6
5A #2 Peters Township 20, #1 Pine-Richland 19 Listen Here
PIAA Football Quarterfinals, Friday PIAA Brackets
4A Aliquippa 28, Oil City 6
6A Central Catholic 42, State College 21