WHERE: 7 p.m. Friday, Seneca Valley High School
RECORDS: WPIAL-AAAA champ North Allegheny 13-0; District 10 champ McDowell 7-5.
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THE TIGERS: Denied Woodland Hills a record sixth WPIAL Class AAAA title by winning its third straight Friday at Heinz Field. Art Walker’s senior-dominated crew has been terrific behind savvy QB Mack Leftwich (11), RB Alex DiCiantis (22) and WR Gregg Garrity (82). Balance is the key word. While Leftwich has rolled up 35 TD passes, Walker’s run game has produced more than 200 yards per outing. Defensively, well, these guys just hate giving up points. Foes have produced only 96 points all season.
THE TROJANS: The good news is Mark Soboleski & Co. shouldn’t be overwhelmed by NA’s size and aggression. All those strong Ohio opponents were preparation for this moment. The Tigers still must deal with brutal RB James Conner (30) and colleague Khyre Drayer (32), who have shared some 2,100 rushing yards and 28 scores. The option-based attack helped McDowell avenge recent postseason losses to State College with a 42-0 shelling of the Little Lions last week. SC had 49 total yards from scrimmage.
EPLER SAYS: As much as we respect McDowell’s fearless approach, versatile North Allegheny (-8) just looks like a program ready to topple anyone in its path. This one could get bloody.
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Week 14 high school football preview: North Allegheny vs. McDowell
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