Nov 13, 2014 3 min read

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We’ve seen this situation before. Wash High enters a postseason game against Aliquippa as the heavy underdogs.

Outside of Washington, few people think the Prexies can upset the Quips, who have three Division I players and an impressive trophy case.

I am in the majority, but only because of injuries. I think losing Jordan West was devastating and will limit what Wash High does offensively. Malik Wells is doubtful, but I expect him to play. Matt Popeck, who did a nice job filling in for West at safety last week, will miss the game because of mononucleosis.

Jonathan Spina now shifts to safety after developing into a solid cornerback opposite DeQuay Isbell. In comparison, Aliquippa is healthy and received reinforcements when Stephon McGinnis joined the program as a transfer from nearby Ambridge.

He has five interceptions in three games. Also, quarterback Darrien Fields is much improved from last season, the offensive line is solid and Aliquippa has two 1,000-yard running backs. Hopewell transfer DiMantae Bronaugh has rushed for 1,223 and 24 touchdowns. Junior Kaezon Pugh, who holds scholarship offers from Pit and West Virginia, has added 1,217 yards and 21 touchdowns.

Despite losing Terry Swanson and Dravon Henry, the Quips have reloaded.

Patrick Anderson is a 6-4 receiver with six Division I offers. The Quips’ offense is averaging 51 points per game and the program is looking to reach the WPIAL title game for the seventh consecutive season.

“It’s really hard to prepare for them. It’s very similar to 2012,” Wash High head coach Mike Bosnic said. “You watch the film, break it down and it’s hard to find a weakness or chink in their armor. It’s very similar this year. They are very good, they have a lot of great athletes and it’s a typical Aliquippa team we’ve faced the past few years.”

When you look on paper, Aliquippa has the size advantage up front, but when I saw their line play last season, I thought the group was missing something. The only player who stood out was Jaleel Fields, who is now at West Virginia with Henry. Size isn’t everything. South Fayette taught Aliquippa that.

Wash High is no slouch either. Spina is greatly improved at quarterback, Isbell has scored 13 touchdowns on just 21 receptions. He’s a big play waiting to happen. Not to mention that the offensive line has been solid.

“Many of them are really big and most of them are really fast,” Aliquippa head coach Mike Zmijanac said. “They are good players. It’s nothing I didn’t expect to see. When you are 11-0, there aren’t any dogs left. You’ve obviously beaten the teams that had a chance to beat you and they beat them pretty soundly, as a matter of fact.”

The key for the Prexies will be to cause an early turnover or get a big defensive stop. If Wells plays and is limited, I see Wash High being able to score points. McGinnis will likely be covering Isbell, but no one has been able to cover the 6-2 speedster this season.

He’ll get open. Tight end Nate Swart will also have an opportunity to make plays.

The question is whether Aliquippa’s offense can be stopped. Without Wells, I don’t think they can.

“They do what they do. They run little traps, little counter tandems, they toss the ball,” Zmijanac said of Wash High’s linemen. “(Bosnic) was a college lineman so he knows what the hell he’s doing.”