Prexies outlast McGuffey, await playoffs
Mark Marietta
Mark Marietta/For the Observer-Reporter
Washington’s Elijah Thomas launches beyond the grasp of McGuffey’s Lincoln Johnson and into the end zone for the Prexies’ second touchdown.
Mark Marietta/For the Observer-Reporter
Washington defensive back Zxavian Willis (5) and the Washington defense celebrate after stopping McGuffey late in the fourth quarter last weekend. The Prexies host Ellwood City in the WPIAL Class 2A playoffs tonight. Washington and McGuffey could get a rematch in the quarterfinals.
Mark Marietta
Mark Marietta/For the Observer-Reporter
McGuffey quarterback Connor Crowe avoids pressure from Washington’s Elijah Swan.
Connor Crowe
Mark Marietta/For the Observer-Reporter
Washington wide receiver (5) holds off McGuffey’s Charles Wagers (15) as he advances a Tristan Reed pass and sprints 72 yards to open the scoring in first quarter.
Zxavian Willis
Mark Marietta/For the Observer-Reporter
Washington running back Treshawn Porter pushes past Charles Wagers as the Prexies protected their 13-7 lead in the second half.
CLAYSVILLE – A week ago, the defensive line for Washington High School’s football was tortured in a close loss to Keystone Oaks.
That’s why Friday night’s football game was so important to the Prexies. Washington imposed its will on rival McGuffey and came away with a 13-7 victory in the Class 2A Century Conference.
Washington and McGuffey each finished tied for the conference title with 5-1 records. Since Washington won this game, it will have the top seed from the Century in the playoffs. Washington finished the regular season with a 9-1 record and McGuffey ended up 7-3.
The WPIAL will release its pairings around 3 p.m. today.
Washington won its 740th career game and coach Mike Bosnic chalked up win No. 135 with the Prexies. It was the 23rd section title for Wash High.
“The minute the Keystone Oaks game was over, I told the kids we did not have to let this game define us,” said Bosnic. “We knew it was going to sting over the weekend but we got back to work on Monday.”
McGuffey held Washington to minus-12 yards in the third quarter. The Highlanders ran 17 plays in that quarter but Washington stopped McGuffey on a fourth-and-goal from the seven-yard line.
“We played better,” Bosnic said. “Everyone stepped up and we did enough to win. That’s all that matters.”
Washington moved the football to the McGuffey 29 in the last few minutes but the drive stalled at the Highlanders 29.
Washington quarterback Tristan Reed completed 10 of 17 passes for 181 yards and two touchdowns.
“For being a sophomore, to stand in there in a crazy game like this. I think he showed himself to be a pretty special player.”
McGuffey head coach Ed Dalton was pleased with the way his team played.
“I think they played their hearts out,” he said.”I don’t care if you like our style of play or don’t like our style of play, if you don’t leave our game thinking we didn’t play our hearts out, you’re not watching the game.
“If you think we can win an Olympics against them, you are wrong. It goes down to the wire every single time we play them. Hats off to them, they got the co-conference championship.”
Dalton believes Washington will draw Ellwood City in the first round of the playoffs and the Highlanders will get Beaver Falls.
“Beaver Falls has a great tradition,” Dalton said. “I want all our teams to win in the playoffs. (The Prexies) are our rivals but I want them to win in the playoffs until they play us again.”
Washington held a 13-7 lead at halftime but it could have been more.
The Prexies received to start the game and made short work of the McGuffey defense. Quarterback Tristan Reed hit Zxavian Willis with a quick out and he turned it into a 72-yards touchdown.
Bodie Cumer connected on the extra point for a 7-0 lead.
McGuffey drove 69 yards on 16 plays, which ended with a 4-yard run by quarterback Connor Crowe. Crowe hit Lincoln Johnson with a 60-yard touchdown pass but the play was called back because of a penalty.
Dylan Stewart hit the extra point kick to tie the game at 7-7.
Washington roared back, driving 60 yards in 6:47. Reed hit wide receiver Elijah Thomas with a 9-yard touchdown pass. The extra-point try was no good and the Prexies led 13-7 at halftime.
Reed finished the half hitting 6 of 9 passes for 122 yards and two touchdowns.