PIAA Class AA Playoffs: Aliquippa vs. Karns City

Brad Everett previews the game, Aliquippa versus Karns City.

(Photo: Aliquippa's Malik Shegog dives into the end zone for a touchdown as he's defended by Washington's Darius Spinks Friday in the WPIAL class AA championships at Heinz Field. Shegog is third on the team in rushing with 481 yards. Matt Freed/Post-Gazette.)

"Earlier this season, Aliquippa quarterback Malik Shegog described himself as being the team's "wild card," saying he liked being an X-factor and enjoyed the fact that few people talked about him.

Well, Shegog's excellent play has spoken for itself, and given the Quips a "full house" in their offensive backfield.

Shegog, a senior, has been an ace in his first season as a starter, not only giving the Quips a passing threat, but also another key weapon in a prolific running game headed by junior running backs Dravon Henry and Terry Swanson.

"He did exactly as I expected him to," Aliquippa coach Mike Zmijanac said. "He's a different kind of quarterback than we had the past few years, but he's had three years to learn. He had been the backup for three years. He has his opportunity. He's obviously taken hold of it.""