Nov 17, 2014 4 min read

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The WPIAL playoffs are unpredictable. There always seems to be one team in the four classifications that surprises many by clinching a trip to Heinz Field. Avonworth holds that distinction in Class A this season with its win over North Catholic in the semifinals.

The one matchup everyone anticipated was a rematch in the Class AA title game between South Fayette and Aliquippa. As the Quips pulled away against Wash High in the second half Friday night, most of the chatter among their fans revolved around the Lions.

I heard one parent say, “They had their year last year. Now, it’s our time.”

Considering the program has won a WPIAL record 15 district championships, the more appropriate phrasing would be that it’s their time again.

Aliquippa is the strongest program in Class AA since 1980. The Quips have not missed the playoffs since 1994 and have won 12 of their WPIAL titles in that span.

The program’s record during the WPIAL playoffs since 1980 is 76-20.

The hype surrounding Aliquippa was suppressed this season with the loss of Dravon Henry, Terry Swanson and Jaleel Fields.

Replacing those three Division I football players is a committee of outstanding athletes. At running back, Aliquippa has junior Kaezon Pugh, junior DiMontae Bronaugh and senior Anthony Barton. On defense, there is Stephon McGinnis in the secondary, Arrington Gipson, Rashad Harmon and Anthony Pope on the defensive line; and everyone seems to forget about wide receiver/defensive back Patrick Anderson.

While Anderson is receiving significant Division I interest with six scholarship offers, it’s easy to overlook the 6-3 wide receiver because of the Quips’ offensive system.

They run the football … a lot. In three WPIAL playoffs games, Aliquippa is averaging more than 347 rushing yards per game.

While it was Bronaugh who was the workhorse during the regular season, head coach Mike Zmijanac has turned to Pugh. The 6-0, 205-pound tailback has gained 679 yards and has scored 12 touchdowns during the playoffs. He is averaging 13.6 yards per carry.

His season totals are now 1,502 rushing yards and 25 touchdowns. Pugh’s running style is perfect for this Aliquippa offense. With a massive offensive line that looks better than it did a year ago, Pugh often gets to the second level with ease where he sheds tackles from linebackers and defensive backs.

Against a Wash High defense decimated by injuries, Pugh ran for 285 yards and four touchdowns to pace Aliquippa’s offense. He technically didn’t even start the game. Bronaugh received the first carry, his two first-half fumbles gave Pugh the chance to continue his postseason dominance.

Say what you want about McGinnis, who transferred from Ambridge during midseason, but the kid can flat out play. He had another interception against the Prexies and is a polished receiver. While his size limits what he can do (5-8), McGinnis has added another dimension to Aliquippa’s team.

We all remember the WPIAL title game a year ago. Snow fell on Heinz Field as the two traded punches. The result was the Lions’ 34-28 victory. Controversy surrounded the outcome with Zmijanac’s comments regarding Connor Beck’s game-winning touchdown catch with 2:48 remaining in the fourth quarter.

Although his words did not mean a thing, Zmijanac thought Beck was out of bounds. In the end, the Lions won the WPIAL title and went on to win their first state championship.

They did so after rushing for just 54 yards in the WPIAL title game and allowing Aliquippa to dominate time of possession. There were many memorable plays made by players who will be back at Heinz Field Friday.

Between Roman Denson’s interception or Anderson’s touchdown catch late in the third quarter to give the Quips a 22-20 lead, there were many memorable plays made.

With Brett Brumbaugh rewriting the WPIAL and PIAA record books, as well as a South Fayette rushing attack steadily improving, this has the makings to be another shootout under the bright lights of Heinz Field.