Another Late Field Goal Keeps Central Catholic’s Season Alive

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For the second week in a row, senior Johnathan Opalko converted on a late field goal to continue Central Catholic’s season.

With 1:08 remaining in the fourth quarter, Opalko nailed a 37-yard field goal with room to spare to give the Vikings (12-1) a 24-21 win against District 6 champion, State College, at North Allegheny on Friday.

The Little Lions couldn’t have scripted a better start to the game, returning the opening kickoff 94 yards for a 7-0 lead.

After a 3-and-out by Central Catholic, State College continued to push the envelope. A 6-yard run by Dresyn Green gave the Little Lions a 14-0 lead.

That’s when the Vikings came alive. On a third down and still in the first quarter, senior Dom Pieto found a wide open Gannon Carothers across the middle for a 65-yard catch and run to cut the deficit to 14-7.

The duo of Pieto and Carothers hooked up for their second score of the half, this time from 26 yards to tie the game at 14-14.

After entering the half tied, the Vikings took their first lead of the game on a 44-yard run by sophomore JD Younger.

Early in the fourth quarter, State College fought back to tie the game at 21-21, setting up Opalko’s heroics.

Central Catholic will take on defending PIAA champion, St. Joseph’s Prep in the state semifinals at a site and time to be determined.