Elizabeth, PA – The North Catholic Trojans were headed into their WPIAL 3A quarterfinal game against the Elizabeth Forward Warriors last Friday. The Trojans were coming off a big win against the #6 seed Deer Lakes 21-14. Being the Interstate Conference champions, the Warriors earned the #3 seed and a first-round bye two weeks ago. They ended the regular season with a crushing win against Mt. Pleasant 56-26.

The Game – The Warriors and the Trojans fought a back-and-forth battle ending the 1^st quarter tied up 21-21. Elizabeth Forward struck again with a rushing touchdown to take the lead 28-21. Mid-2^nd quarter, Trojans' Junior QB Joey Felitsky completed a 20-yard pass to Junior WR Ryker Kennedy for a touchdown, tying the game up again. Coming back from halftime, QB Ryan Messina ran the ball himself for a 26-yard rushing touchdown to regain the lead 35-28. With 1 minute remaining in the 3^rd quarter, Junior WR Tom Arth posted a 5-yard rushing touchdown, making the game 35-35. Arth recorded another rushing touchdown soon after to give North Catholic their first lead of the night. With 3 minutes to go in the 4^th quarter, QB Ryan Messina tied the game up 42-42 with a 2-yard rushing touchdown. Trouble ensued for the Trojans as Warriors' DT Christopher Climes sacked QB Joey Felitsky. North Catholic had the ball on their own 34-yard line and then threw an interception caught by CB Aj Grese. Elizabeth Forward would run the ball for the remaining minute, until reaching the 13-yard line. With 2 seconds remaining, K Luke Holdren would make the game-winning field goal, allowing Elizabeth Forward to squeeze out a tight win 45-42.

Analysis – RB Charlie Nigut rushed for 269 yards and had 4 touchdowns for the Warriors. He recorded all 4 in the first quarter on runs of 38, 18, 2, and 4 yards. QB Ryan Messina completed 5 of 10 passes for 88 yards. He also rushed for 106 yards on 12 carries. K Luke Holdren made a 25-yard field goal to finish Elizabeth Forward's 10-point rally in the 4^th quarter. For the Trojans, QB Joey Felitsky completed 19 of 29 passes for 303 yards and 2 touchdowns. These touchdowns were passes of 73 and 19 yards to Senior TE Joe Safar and WR Ryker Kennedy. WR Tom Arth recorded 3 touchdowns on runs of 8, 3, and 3 yards. Elizabeth Forward has its 4^th trip to the semifinals in five years. They will face the #2 seed Central Valley.