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Cranberry Twp. PA – The North Catholic Trojans football team concluded a respectable winning regular season with a 7-3 overall record, 4-2 in the Western Hills 3A conference. The Trojans lit the field ablaze to begin the year with a perfect 5-0 start. Superstar seniors QB Joey Felitsky and RB Logan Schade led the Trojan charge, proving the offense is elite. Throughout the first 5 games, Felitsky refused to turn the ball over, posting a legendary 20/0 touchdown/interception ratio. During the game against Blackhawk, Schade recorded 344 yards rushing on 20 rushing attempts, alongside 4 touchdowns. However, the good times cannot last forever. The boys faced some adversity and hardship against Imani Christian and Central Valley, both of which resulted in North Catholic losses. In addition, the Trojans were blown out by a powerful Avonworth team, who secured the #1 seed in playoffs. In the closing weeks, the Trojans finished the regular season winning two close, high scoring bouts against Beaver and Hopewell, earning 3rd place in the division.
The Trojans’ last game was the biggest game of the season with a guaranteed playoff spot on the line for the winner. The Hopewell Vikings wished to not have a repeat of last year’s game, when North Catholic stole their playoff hopes and a wildcard spot with a 55-43 victory. The Vikings were in search of revenge, while the Trojans looked to clinch a playoff spot for the 3rd-straight year…
The first quarter was scoreless between both teams, but it did not take long for Hopewell to find their rhythm at home, jumping to an early 14-3 lead to start the second quarter. RB Nasir Wade struck twice with 66 and 14-yard rushing touchdowns as he would eventually finish the game with three. The Trojans cut Viking momentum short after a 48-yard rushing touchdown from RB Logan Schade. Following Schade, QB Joey Felitsky connected with WR Preston Simko for a 36-yard touchdown, giving the Trojans the upper-hand, 17-14. Hopewell quickly took the lead back with QB James Armstrong’s rushing touchdown. North Catholic answered right back with a hook-and-ladder pass to Preston Simko for a large gain before halftime. TE Tom Arth finished the drive with an 8-yard rushing touchdown, giving the Trojans a slim lead, 23-21.
The third quarter began with a 6-yard rushing touchdown from WR Will Waskiewicz to extend the Trojans’ lead. In the dying minutes of the 3rd, Nasir Wade scored again with a 25-yard rushing touchdown. DT Nicolas Thomas then had an interception return for a 35-yard touchdown, retaking the lead for the Vikings, 36-30. North Catholic dominated the fourth quarter with Felitsky finding Will Waskiewicz and Tom Arth through the air for 15 and 24-yard touchdowns. The Trojans were able to hold Hopewell at the end of the 4th, and pulled out an all-important win, 44-36.
This victory earned North Catholic the #5 seed as well as home field advantage in the 3A playoff bracket. They will face the #12 seed Burrell Bucs, who finished the season 3-3 in conference and 4-6 overall in the Allegheny 7 Conference. If the Trojans win, they will have a rematch with Elizabeth Forward in the second round.
The game is this Friday, October 31, at Lieutenant J.C. Stone Field. Kickoff is at 7:00PM with live coverage on the North Catholic Sports Network starting at 6:50PM. Happy Halloween!
Burrell Football Roster
North Catholic Football Roster
WPIAL Football Standings
3A Playoff Bracket
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