HYDE, Pa. (D9Sports) — Brett Zattoni scored three times and rushed 13 times for 110 yards to lead second-seeded Clearfield to a 35-7 victory over third-seeded Juniata in the District 6-9 Class 4A semifinals at the Bison Sports Complex at Clearfield High School Friday Night.(Photo of Clearfield’s Brett Zattoni. Photo by Jared Bakaysa of JB Graphics. See more of Bakaysa’s work here)
Zattoni had touchdown runs of 17 yards, 14 yards and three yards for the Bison.
“Huge holes,” Zattoni said. “The offensive line did great tonight. I haven’t seen holes open up that big in forever. I was impressed with them.”
Also adding scores on the ground for the Bison were Jose Alban (10 yards) and Jason Plubell (7 yards).
The Bison outgained Juniata 227-75 on the ground.
“Our offensive line have been fantastic all year,” Clearfield head coach Tim Janocko said. “Those six or seven kids that play offensive line for us has been outstanding.”
Clearfield got on the board first midway through the first quarter.
Following a three-and-out, Alban capped off a five-play drive with a 10-yard rushing touchdown to put the Bison up 7-0.
On the ensuing possession, Nick Domico picked off Indians quarterback Jacob Condo to set up a 17-yard run for Zattoni to extend the lead to 14-0.
Matt Pallo also got an interception on defense on the next drive but fumbled to give the ball back to the Indians.
“They executed,” Zattoni said of the defense. “We forced a couple of turnovers and they didn’t crack under pressure.”
Watch Zattoni’s full postgame interview.
Zattoni scored his final two touchdowns in the second quarter to give the Bison a comfortable 28-0 lead at halftime.
Clearfield extended its lead to 35-0 with an eight-play, 59-yard drive finished with a seven-yard Plubell run to start the third quarter.
Steven Ranck broke the Bison shutout with a 65-yard touchdown reception with five minutes left in the game.
Plubell carried the ball six times for 38 yards. Mark McGonigal added 26 yards on six carries and Alban chipped in 20 yards and a score on two carries. Quarterback Oliver Billotte went 6-of-8 for 78 yards. Pallo was the leading Bison receiver with a pair of catches for 29 yards.
“I thought we played really well in all phases of the game,” Janocko said. “Executed very well on offense, played great defense and good special teams.”
For the Indians, Condo paced the offense going 6-of-17 for 111 yards, a touchdown and two interceptions while rushing for 30 yards on 13 carries. Garrett Kint added four carries for 28 yards and Ranck was the leading receiver with a lone catch for 65 yards.
“They have some talent,” Janocko said of Juniata. “They have some kids who can play football, so we’re glad we could get this win.”
Clearfield (9-2) will get a rematch with top-seeded Bellefonte, who it lost to 28-19 Sept. 27, for the District 6-9 Class 4A regional championship at a time and place to be determined.
WESTINGHOUSE 50, ST. MARYS 6
PITTSBURGH — Troy Lainer ran for two touchdowns and threw for two touchdowns, as City League (District 8) champion Westinghouse blew out visiting St. Marys in the District 5-8-9 semifinals at Cupples Stadium in Pittsburgh.
Lanier was 5-for-11 passing for 85 yards and ran for 87 yards in the victory for the Bulldogs (8-3).
Christian Coudriet threw a touchdown pass for St. Marys (6-5) going 17 of 31 for 152 yards.
