(Aliquippa, Pa)

On Friday night the Aliquippa Quips played host to the Montour Spartans. Both teams came into the game with 2-1 conference records and playoff implications on the line. Aliquippa was without their starting quarterback Marques Council Jr. He has been lost for the season due to injury.

The Quips jumped out to a 7-0 lead on their first possession, when Senior running back Cleaster Longmire found the end zone on a one yard carry. Montour wouldn’t find much success on offense in the first half. However they didn’t allow Aliquippa anymore scoring in the half, intercepting two passes. The score was 7-0 Quips at halftime.

The Spartans found the end zone on their first second half drive when Sophomore quarterback Brandon Bennett found Zander Stern for a 35 yard touchdown pass to tie the game at 7-7. Later in the third quarter Montour blocked an Aliquippa punt in the end zone which turned into six points when Senior Dylan Rogers landed on the ball. After a failed extra point attempt, Montour lead 13-7 for the duration of the quarter.

The Quips responded to start the final frame, when Akiva Woods fell forward into the end zone. Putting his team up 14-13. The Spartans took the lead back when Brandon Bennett found Zander Stern deep again. This time for 58 yards, allowing Montour to regain the lead 19-14. On the ensuing kickoff, Senior Ray Miller returned the ball 80 yards for a touchdown. Giving the home team a 20-19 advantage. But it was all Montour the rest of the way with a 23 yard touchdown scamper by Bennett and a 35 yard touchdown run by Caden Halajcio. Giving Montour their third win in the conference by the final score of 34-20.

The Spartans (3-1, 6-3) will travel to West Allegheny next Friday to wrap up conference play. While the Quips (2-2, 5-3) make the short trip to Ambridge, looking to lock up a playoff spot.