PIAA Class AAAA semifinals: North Allegheny vs. Wilson

Craig Meyer previews the game, North Allegheny versus Wilson:

(Photo: North Allegheny's Brendan Coniker carries back an interception against McDowell in the PIAA quarterfinals last Friday. Matt Freed/Post-Gazette.)

 

"As teams advance closer to the end of the season, the common phrase and blueprint for those with title aspirations is that "defense wins championships."

It's a widely used expression that more than borders on cliche, but, more often than not, it rings true, especially for elite teams such as North Allegheny.

With standout players such as quarterback Mack Leftwich and wide receiver Gregg Garrity, among others, the Tigers offense understandably gets a good amount of attention, but the team's defense has been a big reason for its undefeated record, one it will hope to maintain as it travels to Altoona Saturday to face Wilson High School from West Lawn, just outside Reading. Game time at Mansion Park Stadium is 3 p.m.

This season, North Allegheny (14-0) has given up just 7.3 points per game, a statistic that doesn't even fully convey its defensive prowess this season. In their 14 games, the Tigers have not given up more than 17 points in a game on a schedule that included top offensive teams such as Gateway (38.4 points per game), Seneca Valley (37.7) and Mt. Lebanon (30.5)."