Leopards de-clawed by Titans again
Belle Vernon quarterback Mike Fine (15) gets a pass away before being tackled by West Mifflen's Dylan Boytos (52) but it was intercepted by the Titans during their WPIAL Class AAAA playoff game at West Mifflin High School on Friday night.
John F. Brothers | Herald-Standard
Belle Vernon quarterback Mike Fine (15) runs for a first down before being stopped by West Mifflin’s Brody Bellante (13) and Brock Sherlock (32) during the first half for their WPIAL Class AAAA playoff game Friday at West Mifflin High School.
Belle Vernon's Nick Hall (24) takes the handoff from quarterback Mike Fine (15) and runs around West Mifflin defender Maryce Johnson (16) during Friday's WPIAL Class AAAA playoff game at West Mifflen High School.
John F. Brothers
Belle Vernon’s Logan Pfrogner (23) breaks free in a game against West Mifflin last season. The senior wide receiver and defensive back is expected to be one of the Leopards’ leaders in 2017.
WEST MIFFLIN — Belle Vernon Area saw its season come to an end Friday night with a 19-0 WPIAL Class 4-A quarterfinal loss to West Mifflin.
“I’m not going to make excuses,” said BVA coach Matt Humbert. “But for as bad as we played, I am proud of the kids.”
It was the Leopards’ second loss to the Titans in three weeks. West Mifflin won at Belle Vernon, 26-9, on Oct. 21.
The Titans (9-2) scored on the opening kickoff when Darnell Carey returned it 98 yards to give the hosts a 6-0 lead 19 seconds into the game.
West Mifflin extended its lead to 13-0 when Gary Galiyas hit Carey with a 47-yard touchdown pass and Ty Beck’s extra point made the score 13-0 with 5:34 to play in the quarter.
The Titans push their lead out to 19-0 with 9:22 to play in the second quarter when Galiyas scored on a one-yard run.
The play was set up by a 47-yard pass to the one-yard line from Galiyas to Carey.
The Titans led 19-0 at the half and outgained the Leopards 229 yards to 40.
Neither team scored in the second half and the game, which saw seven turnovers and 21 penalties, got uglier as the contest went on.
Belle Vernon (7-3) moved the ball into West Mifflin territory twice in the second half, but both drives ended with interceptions by senior quarterback Mike Fine.
After the game, Humbert talked about the seniors who helped lay the foundation for what he and his staff are trying to accomplish.
“It stings right now but these seniors have to realize that they are going out having won 17 games in two years,” he said. “The young guys need to realize that there will be good things to come in the future.”
GAME NOTES: Fine was nine-of-23 with five interceptions but also recovered a fumble as did Derrick Thomas … West Mifflin outgained the Leopards, 333-91 … BVA lost three of its last four games after opening the season 6-0. … West Mifflin will now face top-seeded Thomas Jefferson in the semifinals. … Three of the four teams remaining in Class 4-A are from the Big Nine Conference in the Jaguars, Titans and Ringgold, which upset third-seeded Mars, 42-31.
Class 4-A Quarterfinals
Belle Vernon 0-0-0-0 — 0
West Mifflin 13-6-0-0 — 19
First Quarter
W: Darnell Carey 98 kickoff return (run failed)
W: Carey 47-yard pass from Gary Galiyas (Ty Beck kick)
Second Quarter
W: Galiyas 1-yard run (kick failed)