Nov 2, 2018 4 min read

McMURRAY – Over the last couple of weeks, Peters Township’s offense has been led by dynamic sophomore quarterback Logan Pfeuffer.

In the Indians’ first round Class 5A playoff matchup against No. 14 Armstrong, third-seeded Peters Township went to the ground and was almost unstoppable Friday night.

Ryan Magiske rumbled for 126 yards as the Indians picked up its first postseason win since 2003 with a 35-7 triumph over the River Hawks.

“At the beginning of the week, I asked the team how many playoff wins they have and everyone said zero,” Peters Township coach T.J. Plack said. “Then I asked them how many playoff wins their brothers have had, and the answer was still zero. Obviously, this is a huge win for the program and the kids have really dedicated themselves to the program.”

The Indians (9-2) were also effective on defense, as they limited the visitors to only 74 yards in the first half and consistently stuffed their potent running attack.

Peters Township will play No. 6 Penn Trafford, a 42-7 winner over North Hills, in the quarterfinals next Friday at neutral site to be determined.

After the River Hawks (5-6) went three-and-out on their opening possession, Peters Township looked like it would take an early lead but a pass went off a receiver’s hands and Devin Goodgasell recorded the interception to end any scoring threat.

The Indians regrouped on their next drive and was set up after a 32-yard punt return by Josh Casilli. Six plays later, the home team took a 7-0 lead after a four-yard scoring run by Seth Luksik with 3:59 left in the opening quarter.

Peters Township extended its lead to 14-0 at the 5:54 mark of the second quarter on a two-yard touchdown run by Ryan Magiske.

“Our line blocked great,” Magiske said. “They have really been playing strong these last couple of weeks. We just got a bond and they opened a lot of holes for me tonight. We played for each other and get better every week.”

In a span of 19 seconds, the Indians broke this one open with two scores. Michael Peyton capped an 11-play, 62-yard drive with a one-yard plunge into the end zone, followed by a 40-yard interception return by Aiden McCall for a 28-0 edge at halftime.

“They ran the same play twice, and on the second time I just broke on the ball,” McCall said. “It was a short out and I just got in front of the ball. As soon as I caught it, I knew I had a lot of space and I knew it would be a pick-six. Our coaches had a great game plan tonight.”

On fourth-and-one from the 14-yard line, Magiske ran through the River Hawks’ defense for a score late in the third quarter to cement the Indians’ first playoff win in 15 years.

“I saw an opening, and I just took it for the touchdown,” Magiske said. “There was a good cutback lane for me. This is a big win for the program. I was one-year-old the last playoff win. It means a ton to the community. Their support has been huge.”

Armstrong avoided the shutout with 16-yard touchdown by Josh Shaner with 6:33 remaining.

“They are a big team and they rely on their quarterback to run the ball,” Plack said. “We were able to slow him down. We were good with our keys and we tackled in space. On offense, the ball was a little slick tonight. So we just settled with our run game and it was very effective. Our message was to run the ball and get out of here with a win.”