News

It’s been a long time since Peters Township has defeated Bethel Park on the gridiron. Before Friday, the Black Hawks have won the previous seven meetings between the rivals.

The Indians made sure that wasn’t going to happen again, defeating the Black Hawks at home, 35-0. The win keeps Peters Township alive for their first section title since 1975. They are tied for first place with Upper St. Clair and West Allegheny.

The Indians jumped out to an early 14-0 lead in the first quarter, courtesy of two touchdown passes by sophomore Logan Pfeuffer. His first touchdown was a short 4-yard pass to junior Josh Casilli. Pfeuffer followed that up with a 17-yard pass to junior Aidan McCall.

Peters Township added another touchdown in the second half with a 17-yard run this time from junior Ryan Magiske. The first half scoring would be plenty of cushion for the Indians, who held Bethel Park to 103 yards of total offense, but the Indians tacked on two more touchdowns in the second half.

Pfeuffer threw his third touchdown pass of the game in the third quarter, a 23-yard pass to senior Jackson McCloskey. After throwing three toucdown passes, Pfeuffer was on the receiving end of the Indians’ final score, a 12-yard trick play pass from Casilli.

Along with his touchdown run, Magiske also rushed for 100 yards in the game. Pfeuffer finished 12 of 14 for 137 yards and the three passing touchdowns. Casilli caught five passes for 52 yards and a touchdown and passing touchdown.

Peters Township improves to 7-2 overall and 5-1 in the Class 5A Allegheny Eight Conference. The Indians will host Baldwin (4-5, 2-4)next week at 7 p.m. for a chance to at least clinch a share of the conference championship.

Bethel Park drops to 5-3 overall and are in fourth place in the section with a 4-2 record. The Black Hawks will host Upper St. Clair (8-1, 5-1) in their regular season finale at 7:30 p.m.