If it wasn't for Gateway's (Monroeville, PA) season opening loss to nationally-ranked Cardinal Mooney in the Ohio Vs. USA, Friday night's showdown for the WPIAL AAAA championship would feature two undefeated and nationally-ranked teams.
Pittsburgh Central Catholic (12-0) enters the game ranked #15 by USA Today and #1 in the state of Pennsylvania. Gateway is #2 in the latest Harrisburgh Patriot-News rankings. The last time Gateway played for a WPIAL championship was back in 2004 when the Gators lost to PCC 28-0.
One of the interesting stories for Central Catholic this year has been the play of a guy that has more hockey blood running through his veins than football. His name is Andrew Taglianetti, whose father was a defenseman on the Pittsburgh Penguins Stanley Cup champion teams in the early 90's.
Taglianetti has put up some unbelievable numbers this year, especially on offense where he's been used as a tailback and wide receiver. When he touches the ball something usually happens.
In the WPIAL playoffs he has an 83-yard today run in the semifinals and a 99-yard touchdown catch and run in the Vikings quarterfinal win over Bethel Park. His per touch average this year is an incredible 17.02 yards, which breaks out to 880 yards on 60 carries and 12 catches for 346 yards. He's totaled 13 touchdowns (9 rushing, 3 receiving & 1 Int. Return).
To read more about this 5-11, 180-pound dynamo, click here.
To read about Gateway's prep for the game, click here.
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