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Bishop Guilfoyle secures spot in LHAC’s final with win over Clearfield

By Nate Cobler 3 min read

HOLLIDAYSBURG -- Bishop Guilfoyle coach Justin Wheeler told his team after their 20-13 win on Friday night against Clearfield that champions find ways to win big games.

The defending PIAA Class 1A champs trailed 13-7 after three quarters. However, with 2:57 left in the game, they reclaimed the lead for the first time since scoring on the game's first possession.

The win gave the Marauders the Laurel Highlands East championship. They'll play McCort-Carroll in the conference championship at Saint Francis University's DeGol Field, Friday at 7 p.m.

Play of the game: Bishop Guilfoyle quarterback Justin Wheeler faked a handoff, and scampered 29 yards to the Bison's 37 with a little over three minutes left in the game. Clearfield was called for a targeting penalty as Wheeler was hit in the head during the run.

Player of the game: Marauders running back/quarterback Jake Kissell scored the game-winning touchdown on a 5-yard run with 2:57 left in the game. He ended the night with 151 yards rushing on 20 carries, two rushing scores, and added a passing touchdown that tied the game, 13-13, with 11:53 left in the game.

Unsung hero: Clearfield running back Colton Ryan had 121 yards rushing on 22 carries, and a rushing touchdown.

Most vital statistic: The Marauders had a pair of interceptions in the fourth quarter. One led to their scoring drive, and the other came at the 1-yard line stopping the Bison from tying the game.

Bishop Guilfoyle coach Justin Wheeler: "I think it's probably what you expect in a big game like this. This was for the Laurel Highlands' East championship. Both teams were in the same position last year. We just didn't get a chance to play. They're a really good school and great program. I was happy that we were able to find a way to make the plays that we needed to win at the end."

Clearfield coach Myles Caragein: "If you look at our track record for the season, it's a story of one-possession games. Our kids are used to it. They kept fighting to the end. They did a great job."

Kissell: "We've had a really hard three-game stretch with Bellwood, Forest Hills and now Clearfield, three really good teams, getting that third win in that game was huge. At BG, it's a fourth-quarter mentality. We had to push through that last drive and run the ball. We met the standard."

Notable: Each team missed a field goal attempt. … Both teams combined for 19 yards passing in the first half. … Bishop Guilfoyle was outgained by Clearfield, 339-248.

Records: Clearfield (6-3); Bishop Guilfoyle (8-1).

Next week: Clearfield hosts Penn Cambria Friday, 7 p.m.; Bishop Guilfoyle vs. McCort-Carroll, Laurel Highlands Conference Championship, Saint Francis University, Friday, 7 p.m.

SCORE BY QUARTERS

Clearfield 0 7 6 0 -- 13

Bishop Guilfoyle 7 0 0 13 -- 20

First Quarter

BG–Kissell 1 run (Cart. Boland kick), 10:42.

Second Quarter

C–Ryan 1 run, 9:59.

Third Quarter

C–Broad 61 pass from Curry (kick blocked), 1:08.

Fourth Quarter

BG–Lestochi 18 pass from Kissell (kick failed), 11:53.

BG–Kissell 5 run (Boland kick), 2:57.

TEAM STATISTICS C BG

First downs 15 12

Total yards 339 248

Rushes-yards 41-246 31-206

Yards passing 93 42

Passing (comp.-att.-int.) 5-16-2 6-10-1

Punts-avg. 1-50 3-40

Fumbles-lost 0-0 0-0

Penalties-yards 6-55 4-38

INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS

RUSHING--Clearfield, Ryan 22-121, Curry 13-73, Broad 5-44, Chamberlain 1-8. Bishop Guilfoyle, Kissell 20-151, Wheeler 2-21, Gioiosa 5-21, Hewitt 3-12, Schimminger 1-(-1).

PASSING--Clearfield, Curry 5-16-2-93. Bishop Guilfoyle, Wheeler 4-6-0-9, Kissell 2-4-1-33.

RECEIVING--Clearfield, Broad 3-74, Ryan 1-14, Glunt 1-5. Bishop Guilfoyle, Lestochi 4-41, Schimminger 2-1.

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