Nov 7, 2023 By For The Greene County Messenger 1 min read

Imani Christian used a 30-point third quarter to take command and went on to defeat Waynesburg Central, 52-14, in a WPIAL Class AA first-round football playoff game at UPMC Graham Field.

The fourth-seeded Saints (8-2) led 16-0 after the first quarter and just 16-6 at halftime before pulling away in the third quarter.

Dayshaun Burnett led the way for Imani Christian with two touchdown passes and a rushing touchdown. Burnett completed seven passes for 139 yards but was intercepted by Waynesburg three times. Burnett also carried the ball 15 times for 102 yards.

Markus Williams scored on a 25-yard fumble return and Gabriel Jenkins and David Davis had rushing touchdowns in the third quarter.

Jacob Stephenson threw a 3-yard touchdown pass to Zach Jeblits in the second quarter and 21-yard scoring pass to Colby Pauley in the fourth quarter for coach Aaron Giorgi’s Raiders (7-4).

Stephenson completed 10-of-25 passes for 146 yards and four interceptions. Jiblits caught four passes for 37 yards and Jack Ricciuti had two receptions for 41 yards.

Waynesburg was making its first playoff appearance since 2014.