South Fayette is back atop the mountain in Class AA following a 31-22 win over Aliquippa Friday night at Heinz Field. The win marked the fourth time the Lions have captured a WPIAL championship.
The Lions (13-0) defended their WPIAL title by using a balanced offensive attack to overwhelm the Quips. Brett Brumbaugh, who will play collegiate ball for Duquesne, was spectacular as he completed 24 of 35 passes for 352 yards, three touchdowns and an interception.
The game featured several big plays by South Fayette with the first being a 46 yard rushing touchdown by Hunter Hayes just a few minutes into the game. Just over two minutes later South Fayette would score again as Brumbaugh found Dan Trimbur from 13 yards out.
Aliquippa (12-1) would finally answer as Anthony Barton scored from 6 yards to make it 14-6. The Quips would go for two and fail.
South Fayette scored quickly in the second half as Brumbaugh found Nick Ponikvar on an 87-yard bomb to go up 21-6. After a Stephon McGinnis fumble on the ensuing kickoff was recovered by the Lions it looked like they might score again but Kazeon Pugh intercepted Brumbaugh to get the ball back for Aliquippa.
Late in the third quarter the teams traded scoring drives 2 minutes apart. Jack Relihan scored in the corner of the end zone to make it 28-6 but the Quips answered with a 58 yard touchdown pass from Darrien Fields to McGinnis.
South Fayette saw a promising drive stall with 6:29 left in the 4th quarter and had to settle for a 36-yard field goal from Dan Trimbur.
Aliquippa wasn’t done though and drove the ball down for a McGinnis touchdown and two point conversion with 3:59 to go. The Quips would recover the onsides kick but was unable to score again.
South Fayette will begin their PIAA title defense next week.
Photo Credit: Christopher Horner – Trib Total Media
