Champs Sports Network

WEXFORD, Pa. – Championship teams often make statements long before the hoist any trophy; and if North Allegheny goes on to win an unprecedented third straight WPIAL title many will look back at Friday’s 45-3 win over No. 5 Seneca Valley as one big statement.

The Tigers controlled the game with the exception of the opening drive, which the Raiders moved the ball right down the field but only could muster a 27-yard field and taking what would be their first and only lead. North Allegheny responded with a 27-yard field goal of their own that tied the game at 3 after one quarter.

Special teams can make or break a team, and it gave North Allegheny their first lead of the game while breaking the spirits of the Raiders when the Tigers blocked a punt and Kevin Edwards ran 5 yards for the score.

Senior QB Mack Leftwich led the Tigers passing for 137 yards and two touchdowns; an 8 yard pass to Gregg Garrity who had 5 receptions for 84 yards, and a 10 yard pass to Elijah Zeise.

Alex DeCiantis added two touchdowns in the second half from 7 and 26 yards respectively, helping the Tigers go a perfect 5 for 5 when inside the red zone.

Division 1 recruit Jordan Brown struggled to have time to throw the ball and the swarming Tiger defense didn’t allow Forrest Barnes to become a factor having just 8 carries for 15 yards. Brown completed 9 of his 21 passes for 91 yards but the Raiders could not find the end zone.

The Tigers won their 10th consecutive game against the Raiders dating back to 2002, and have outscored their counterparts 304 to 81 in that span. The win also gave the black and gold their 17^th straight win over a WPIAL opponent.

North Allegheny (3-0) will make the short trip to Pine-Richland (1-2) next week, while Seneca Valley (2-1) will look to rebound at home against Connellsville (1-2).