SKYLIGHTS: Central Valley, Pine Richland win state championships while Jeannette falls in title game

PITTSBURGH — Three WPIAL teams were competing for state championship titles on Friday.

Jeannette took on Steelton-Highspire in the “A” title game. The Jayhawks would take the early lead in the first quarter as Roberto Smith tosses it 34 yards for Brett Birch to snag in the end zone. But the Jayhawks wouldn’t be able to overcome a late deficit, and they lose 32-20.

Central Valley was playing for the “AAA” crown. There was controversy on the second-half kickoff as the player appeared to signal a fair catch, but the play wasn’t blown dead. It turned into a huge return as the Warriors were trailing at the time. Central Valley would win 35-21 over Wyomissing Area.

The Pine-Richland Rams blasted Cathedral Prep, winning 48-7 in the 5A championship game. The Rams would score early and never look back for the rest of the game. In the first play of the second half, the Rams scored on an 86-yard touchdown pass. This win marked the program’s second-ever state championship title.

Thomas-Jefferson is scheduled to play on Saturday for the “AAAA” state championship in Hershey against Jersey Shore.

Cox Media Group