Dec 22, 2022 2 min read

ON THIS DATE

Dec. 23

1958 – Jim Chacko scores 40 points and undefeated Charleroi High School overcomes a nine-point second-quarter deficit to defeat Hempfield 83-63 for the Cougars’ seventh consecutive victory.

1971 – Fort Cherry, behind champions Merle Tournay (138), Mark Hospodar (154) and Bob Martinek (165), win the team title at the Black Hills Conference wrestling tournament at Carlynton High School.

1972 – The Pittsburgh Steelers’ Franco Harris makes one of the most famous plays in NFL history during a first round AFC playoff game against Oakland at Three Rivers Stadium. With Pittsburgh trailing 7-6 and 22 seconds remaining, quarterback Terry Bradshaw throws a desperation fourth-down pass that deflects off either Steelers running back John “Frenchy” Fuqua or Oakland safety Jack Tatum. Harris catches the ball on the deflection and runs for a 60-yard touchdown that gives the Steelers a 13-7 victory. The play is dubbed “The Immaculate Reception.” It’s the first playoff victory in Steelers franchise history.

1978 – Bryan Trottier has five goals and three assists to lead the New York Islanders to a 9-4 victory over the Rangers. Trottier sets an NHL record with three goals and three assists in the second period.

1980 – Scott McCracken makes two free throws with two seconds remaining to give Fort Cherry a 53-51 victory over Canon-McMillan. The game was tied 51-51 when Canon-McMillan called a timeout but had none remaining, resulting in a technical foul and setting up McCracken’s game-winning free throw.

1982 – Chaminade, an NAIA school, beats top-ranked Virginia and 7-foot-4 center Ralph Sampson, 77-72, for one of the biggest upsets in college basketball history. The game is played at Honolulu’s International Center in front of 3,383 fans.

1988 – Mapletown running back Derek Bochna, who led the WPIAL in rushing and scoring, is named to the Associated Press Small School All-State first team.