WPIAL Saturday’s Scholastic Starz for 10/3

By: Bruce Markey
Sunday, October 5, 2014 | 9:22 AM

There was a definite chill in the air for the first Saturday of high school football in October here in the 2014 season as Friday showers gave way to a drop in the mercury on S-s-s-s-s-aturday. But the cooler than usual temperatures did not slow down these Fearless Foursome who helped direct their teams to victory to close the door on Week 6.

Brayden Toy – Kittanning

While it was a special homecoming at Burrell as the high school went all out to celebrate their 500th career football game, it was the visitors from Kittanning who really had the most fun playing with their fancy toy. Quarterback Braden Toy completed 12 of 20 passes for 312 yards and tossed three touchdowns as the Wildcats kept their playoff hopes alive while keeping the host Buccaneers winless in a 43-7 Class AA Allegheny Conference victory.

Lewis Berry and Jackson Fitzgerald – Shady Side Academy

On senior night, two of Shady Side Academy’s best shined bright. Lewis Berry blew by everybody with 209 yards on only 7 carries while scoring 3 touchdowns and picking off two passes. Teammate Jackson Fitzgerald was no slouch though as he picked up 161 yards on 9 carries and scored 3 touchdowns as well while adding one interception as the Indians won in the Class AA Allegheny Conference with a 39-0 shutout of the Deer Lakes Lancers.

Montrail Strozier – Rochester

In a season in which they lost their first four games for the first time since 1959, Rochester has decided to take the Mon-trail in the hopes of climbing back into the Class A Big 7 Conference playoff picture. Running back Montrail Strozier rushed for 163 yards and scored two touchdowns on a 29-yard run and on a 63-yard pass from Chase Long as the Rams won for the second straight week in a 33-0 rout of the host Western Beaver Golden Beavers.

Nick Kusich – Avella

It was a ‘special’ performance by Avella running back Nick Kusich Saturday at historic Graham Field in Wilkinsburg, not only for his exploits on the field, but he also drove the team bus, led the band at halftime and dished out walking taco’s to the fans between quarters. On the field, he rushed for 135 yards and scored six touchdowns including an 82-yard kickoff return and a 61-yard punt return as the Eagles punded the Tigers 50-18 in a Class A non-conference tilt. 

Tags: Avella, Kittanning