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Perfect football matchup a rare moment

Written by Mike White on .

Mike White comments on the battle of unbeatens between Aliquippa and Washington:

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(Photo: In a battle of unbeatens between Alquippa and Washington at Heinz Field, the only question is who will raise the trophy at the end? Post-Gazette photo illustration.)


"The Aliquippa-Washington Class AA championship game is most unusual from the fact that it features three 1,000-yard rushers -- two for Aliquippa and one for Washington.

But never mind the individuals, this truly is a perfect matchup.

Aliquippa and Washington both bring perfect 12-0 records into today's title game at Heinz Field -- and that's what really makes the contest unusual. One might think that two undefeated teams playing in the title game is old hat, but in reality it is fairly uncommon.

Ever since the WPIAL started playoffs for all classifications in 1977, this will only be the 17th championship game matching teams with perfect records (undefeated and untied).

"Really?" Aliquippa coach Mike Zmijanac asked. "I thought it would've been more."

Nine of the perfect matchups have come since 2005. But since 1977, there have been 139 championship games and only 12 percent have matched perfect teams."