West Allegheny football team stops one former conference foe, to face another

There was a time not long ago when West Allegheny competed in what is now the Big Nine Conference and played Thomas Jefferson and West Mifflin every year.

The Indians eventually returned to the Parkway Conference but is renewing old friends in this year’s playoff run. Last week, the Indians trounced previously unbeaten Thomas Jefferson, never trailing in a 24-7 win.

This week, West Allegheny will face West Mifflin, which defeated the Parkway Conference’s Central Valley 36-35 in overtime. Central Valley is the only team to defeat West Allegheny this season, 28-14, in week five.

That game, however, proved the turning point for the Indians. In the seven games since, West Allegheny has allowed a total of just 26 points – and 14 of those were scored after the mercy rule was in effect.

The defense has been supported by a ball control offense that averages over 215 yards per game rushing. In defeating Thomas Jefferson, the Indians passed just seven times.

In its win over Central Valley, West Mifflin passed just twice so this Championship game should move quickly.