Skylights

SKYLIGHTS 2017 PIAA Championships: Gateway falls 49-14 to Archbishop Wood

HERSHEY, Pa. — The Gateway Gators were in the state title game for the first time in program history on Friday night, but they ran into powerhouse defending champ Archbishop Wood.

Big plays from Archbishop Wood, like an 80-yard touchdown run from Nasir Peoples, propelled them to a 42-0 halftime lead.

But Gateway wouldn't stop fighting.

Brady Walker and Travis Thompson hooked up on two long touchdown passes. Walker finished as the WPIAL's second-leading passer, but Gateway finished as the 5A runner-up, falling 49-14.

“How can you not feel great about what these guys did?” Gateway coach Don Holl said. “So much resiliency, so much toughness. So many great kids making so many great plays. And making so many memories for our team and our coaches and our community.

“It was a great ride.”

In a Friday afternoon tilt, Southern Columbia Area rolled over Wilmington Area 48-0 for the 2A championship.

Saturday Games:

  • 3A - Middletown vs. Quaker Valley (Saturday 12 p.m.)
  • 6A - St. Joseph's Prep vs. Pine-Richland (Saturday 4 p.m.)

RELATED: Jeannette wins Class 1A title

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