Shady Side Academy upends Warriors, 31-17
Shady Side Academy scored 24 unanswered points and survived a fumble deep in its territory late in the fourth quarter for a 31-17 victory at Elizabeth Forward Friday night in the WPIAL Class AAA quarterfinals.
The third-seeded Warriors close the season with a 9-2 record.
Shady Side Academy (7-4) advances the semifinals Friday against second-seeded Avonworth. The Antelopes (10-1) defeated Beaver, 28-7.
Elizabeth Forward’s Logan Beedle hit an 18-yard field goal just five seconds into the second quarter to open the scoring.
Shady Side Academy pulled into the lead 16 seconds later when Naiziim Daniels returned the ensuing kickoff 80 yards for a touchdown.
The Warriors regained the lead on Zion White’s 47-yard scoring pass to Isaiah Turner. Shady Side Academy held the lead at halftime, 14-10, after Eddie DeBruce connected on an 11-yard touchdown pass to Joey Bellinotti.
Elizabeth Forward pressed early in the third quarter for a score, but a long pass was bobbled and then intercepted to kill the opening drive. The defense held, but another turnover led to a touchdown when Shady Side Academy’s Grady Bryan returned a fumble three yards for a score and a 21-10 lead.
Simon Passarello-Carnavale hit a 28-yard field goal to increase Shady Side Academy’s lead to 24-10 just six seconds into the fourth quarter. The visitor’s lead grew to 31-10 on Darrin Haynes’ 20-yard touchdown run.
Elizabeth Forward cut the deficit to 31-17 on Jace Brown’s 9-yard touchdown run.
Shady Side Academy fumbled deep in its territory late in the fourth quarter, but Elizabeth Forward was unable to punch the ball into the end zone.
Shady Side Academy then ran out the clock to secure the victory.