On Friday, September 22, 2023 the North Allegheny Tigers and the Central Catholic Vikings battled it out at Newman Stadium. The Tigers were defeated 50-22.
Since then, the Tigers have gone 6-0, scoring nearly 50 points per game.
Just about two months later, the two top teams in Class 6A will play for the WPIAL Championship and a ticket into the PIAA playoffs. On Saturday, November 18, 2023, the Tigers and Vikings will square off at 6:00 p.m. at Norwin High School.
The Tigers are eager for this second chance to prove themselves against the Vikings.
“I think our whole team feels good about the opportunity to make up for the loss earlier in the season and show everyone that we are the best team in 6A,” senior quarterback Logan Kushner said.
Senior wide receiver and defensive back Evan Lyon added that “being able to have the rematch is great because we learned from our mistakes and know we are better than before.”
The Tiger coaching staff has made various changes that seem to have players excited to showcase on the big stage.
Kushner noted, “We have better prepared by coming with a different mindset. The first time we were too cocky so we had to dial that back and just play with confidence.”
Kushner added, “I think offensively the run game as well as pushing the ball down the field with passes are working. Defensively, I think the coaches are coming up with a great game plan to prepare for Central.”
Senior lineman Cameron Chmura, who will be making his first return since Senior Night due to a knee injury, stated, “We have made adjustments both offensively and defensively, and have learned our mistakes. Our coaching staff has done a great job at implementing a game plan that will make us successful.”
Senior receiver and defensive back, Khiryn Boyd, feels as if “everything is good on the defensive side of the ball and on offense we are putting our pieces together.”
This year, the game will take place on Saturday evening. With an extra day of practice, as well as one more day of excitement to build up to the big game, the Tigers only see it as an advantage.
Tyree Alualu, senior running back and linebacker, said, “It makes us more eager for the game having another day in the way, especially me personally I get excited.”
The WPIAL 6A championship will play at a neutral site — Norwin High School in Irwin, PA.
Chmura noted that he feels that “our game should be played at Acrisure instead of another high school field, especially because we are the biggest classification in the WPIAL.”
WPIAL classes 1A through 4A will play at Acrisure.
With all factors considered, it comes down to one thing — who can play their best game of football for 48 minutes?
“I am not as nervous because we’ve gotten so much better since we first played them in every aspect it will be a much different game,” Yatchenko said.
But one thing that will not change this Saturday is the pre-game rituals that have served the players well all season.
Chmura explained that during every pre-game, he listens to music and envision himself making plays on the field.
“I also have a pack of Sheetz sour gummy worms to snack on during every walk through and bus ride,” he said.
Alualu said, “I call my parents for a word of encouragement and prayer before we head out to play.”
Fans interested in attending are able to purchase their tickets online on the North Allegheny Athletic Department page. See you Saturday night at 6:00 p.m. Tigers!
