3 Things to Watch in PIAA Quarterfinals

Alex Christo

November 24, 2021 @ 05:00 AM

We are looking at a re-match between two Penn State commits, an O-line-D-line matchup, and a revenge game from last season for a WPIAL title.   Governor Mifflin vs. Exeter Township This is going to be a re-match from early October when Governor Mifflin won 54-21. Governor Mifflin’s senior running back and Penn State commit, [player_tooltip player_id="27558" first="Nicholas" last="Singleton"] ran for 244 yards and 4 touchdowns in the first meeting. In 8 of the 10 games according to MaxPreps (has not been updated) Singleton has 1,499 yards with 30 touchdowns. Singleton has broken county records this season. On the other side of the ball is junior tight end and fellow Penn State commit, [player_tooltip player_id="97607" first="Joey" last="Schlaffer"]. Shlaffer had his one and only 100-yard receiving game of the season against Governor Mifflin. On the season Schlaffer has recorded 36 receptions for 672 yards and 6 touchdowns. He averages 18.7 yards per catch. I’m interested in how these two perform the second time around.   Freedom OL [player_tooltip player_id="27669" first="Braelin" last="Moore"] vs. St. Joe’s Prep DE [player_tooltip player_id="146677" first="James" last="Heard"] This is going to be an interesting matchup. Moore is a guard, but he plays left tackle. Heard will switch to left end to right end during games. Moore is quick off the snap who is physical and shows a strong first punch. Heard has good get off but lacks quickness. He is twitchy and can be physical. Really interested in who wins this matchup when they go up against each other. Belle Vernon’s [player_tooltip player_id="27627" first="Devin" last="Whitlock"] vs. Aliquippa Defense [player_tooltip player_id="27627" first="Devin" last="Whitlock"] had his way with Aliquippa statistically last season but unfortunately lost in the 2nd round of the playoffs. In that game, Whitlock accounted for 3 total touchdowns, 2 rushing, and 1 punt return. He had just over 150 yards rushing. This season Whitlock has rushed for almost 1,200 yards with 23 touchdowns. In the return game, he has taken it to the house twice. There will be a lot of guys in the box for the Quips defense. [player_tooltip player_id="98581" first="Neco" last="Eberhardt"] should be a force in the middle of the d-line and safety [player_tooltip player_id="66045" first="Donovan" last="Walker"] will be closer to the line of scrimmage. Aliquippa will also have to worry about [player_tooltip player_id="64565" first="Quinton" last="Martin Jr"]. who rushed for 81 yards and a touchdown in last season’s playoff matchup.