TOUCHDOWN RUN—Aliquippa’s Dravon Henry scored one touchdown in Quips win.
The Quips, the two-time reigning WPIAL champs, have blown out every team they’ve played, so far this season, but appeared to float into Geneva College’s Reeves Field, Friday night, on a deflated rubber ducky.
Last year Aliquippa (8-0) blew out Beaver Falls (7-1) 66-7, but found themselves down 14-0 early in the first quarter behind quarterback Dan Stratton two touchdown passes.
BIG GROUND GAME—Terry Swanson of Aliquippa rushed for 169 yards and two touchdowns, including a 58 yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter to lead the Quips. (Photos by William McBride).
Stratton, who is receiving interest from Youngstown State, opened the scoring with a 9-yard touchdown pass to Pete Lyons and 14-yards to Damian Rawl.
Aliquippa got back into the game by putting in the “Trap Blocking” scheme that the 70’s Steelers made famous with Rocky Bleier and Franco Harris.
Always loaded with talent, Aliquippa has three star college recruits in Dravon Henry, Terry Swanson and Jaleel Fields. Quips, gave the football to their one-two punch at running back in Henry and Swanson.
Swanson ran through the trap door for 165 yards on 12 carries, and Dravon Henry had 49 on 8 carries.
Quips quarterback Darren Fields threw an 18-yard touchdown pass to Jyier Turner to cut the lead to 14-6. Swanson exploded for a 34-yard touchdown run and Henry caught a pass from Fields for the two point conversion and went into halftime tied 14-14.
Many observers were surprise that Aliquippa did try to kick any extra points.
“It’s because we’re Aliquippa, we don’t play soccer around here,” said Aliquippa coach Mike Zmijanac. “We’ll take our chances with Swanson and Henry.”
NOT ENOUGH—Beaver Falls quarterback Dan Stratton threw 3 touchdown passes but it was not enough.
It’s no secret that Aliquippa and Beaver Falls have been bitter rivals in football and basketball since the days of “Iron” Mike Ditka and “Broadway” Joe Namath. But the bad blood and sloppy play resulted in 18 first half penalties.
Henry threw a 39-yard halfback pass for a touchdown to a wide open Patrick Anderson to give Aliquippa a 20-14 lead in the third quarter.
Kahlil Caracter, who rushed for 111 yards, ran 22-yards for a touchdown to tie the score at 20-20 at the end of the third quarter.
Beaver Falls entered the game ranked No. 4 in the state, took a 28-20 fourth quarter lead when Stratton threw a 28-yard touchdown pass to Sage Curry. Stratton to Curry connection was successful for the two-point conversion.
Damie Rawl, rushed for 126 yards and Stratton threw for 121 yards and three touchdowns.
Henry scored on a 22-yard run to cut the lead to 28-26.
LEADING THE WAY—Aliquippa quarterback Darrien Fields (14) scrambles away from Beaver Falls. Fields threw one touchdown in the Quips 34-28 win.
With, Aliquippa’s undefeated season and No. 1 state ranking on the line, the Quips turned to a determined Swanson.
The Tigers would have had an easier time tacking a 40-foot yellow duck than Swanson. He looked like Adrian Peterson running over, through, around and finally out racing the Tigers 58 yards to the end zone.
Aliquippa survived a scare by coming from behind to defeat Beaver Falls 34-28 to remain unbeaten in the Midwestern Athletic Conference.
Eight thousand fans witnessed an instant classic.
“I think we opened some eyes because we’re a good football team, too,” said Beaver Falls coach Ryan Matsook. “If they’re the No. 1 team, then we’re only a touchdown off that.”
Aliquippa is ranked No. 1 in the WPIAL but the best team just might be South Fayette, who beat Beaver Falls in the playoffs last year.
If the Aliquippa floats into the WPIAL championship game deflated emotionally, South Fayette will turn Heinz Field into Fright Night for the Quips.
ALIQUIPPA BAND MEMBERS BELT OUT A TUNE TO ENCOURAGE TEAM
Follow @NewPghCourier on Twitter https://twitter.com/NewPghCourier
Like us at https://www.facebook.com/pages/New-Pittsburgh-Courier/143866755628836?ref=hl
Download our mobile app at https://www.appshopper.com/news/new-pittsburgh-courier