California High School’s football team turned a 7-0 halftime deficit into a 16-7 victory on Friday night, earning a spot in the WPIAL Class A quarterfinals. The win came at Trojan Stadium, where the Trojans’ second‑half surge propelled them past Northgate.
Key plays and standout performances
Running back Alan Dennis led the offensive comeback with 14 carries for 111 yards, including a 33‑yard breakaway run that sparked the Trojans’ momentum. Dennis capped the drive with a touchdown run from the 8‑yard line, giving California its first points of the game.
Quarterback Brandon Meier connected with wide receiver Chase Shemansky for a 28‑yard pass and later a 14‑yard touchdown reception, extending the lead. Shemansky also contributed four catches for 57 yards and blocked a 40‑yard field‑goal attempt in the fourth quarter, sealing the win.
Defensively, linebacker Colton Lowden intercepted Northgate’s Devontae Smith and returned the ball to the Trojans’ 46‑yard line, providing a crucial momentum boost. Defensive back Frank also recorded an interception early in the game.
Coach Ed Woods on the turnaround
“The way they came out the second half, they were focused and I thought they played pretty darn good football,” said California coach Ed Woods, who praised his players’ adjustments at halftime. Woods noted the team’s early mistakes, including two turnovers, but emphasized the importance of relaxing and playing to their strengths.
“We made a few slight adjustments on both sides of the ball at halftime, but I think it was more for us just to settle down and play good football,” Woods added. He highlighted the contributions of his linemen and linebackers, noting that both Colton Lowden and Carter have surpassed 100 tackles this season.
Looking ahead
With the victory, California moves on to face No. 3 seed Clairton in the quarterfinals, with the game location yet to be determined. The Trojans, now 9‑2 on the season, have extended their winning streak to eight games and repeated as Tri‑County South Conference champions.
Northgate (7‑4) fought back late in the third quarter, but California’s defense held firm, forcing a turnover on downs and limiting the Flames to just seven points. Smith, Northgate’s quarterback, finished with 12 of 21 completions for 83 yards and 77 rushing yards, but was intercepted twice.
“We knew they had a good kicker and that’s something else we practiced this week,” Woods said of the blocked field‑goal attempt. “Chase is Mr. Consistent for us. Every game he just comes out and plays football. He’s one of those kids who never gets too high or too low. He’s just that steady football player.”
The Trojans ran out the clock in the final minutes, securing the win and looking forward to a challenging quarterfinal matchup.
Original reporting: Herald-Standard – latest news for Uniontown, Pennsylvania — read the source article.
