Looking to lasso a legacy
Freeport football coach John Gaillot stresses the Yellowjackets’ WPIAL Class AA semifinal playoff game against Aliquippa at 7:30 p.m. Friday at Seneca Valley will be just another game.
But there’s no way to 100 percent avoid the mystique the Quips’ program carries with them.
Aliquippa, which has won 15 WPIAL titles dating back to 1955, has reached Heinz Field the past seven seasons and won three WPIAL titles during that stretch.
The Quips, who are 11-0 and last won the WPIAL title 2012, lost in the finals the past two seasons to South Fayette.
“They are so successful and well-coached,” Gaillot said. “They are a great, established program, but you can’t get caught up in all of that even though it’s out there. We don’t want our kids to think it’s the biggest game of their lives, we want to go out and play football.”
Aliquippa coach Mike Zmijanac was quick to point out the previous teams won’t be suiting up Friday.
The Quips only returned three starters this year and have worked in four new offensive linemen.
“To stop you, this group is trying to get there for the first time,” Zmijanac said. “This is a different team and a different group. There’s no relevance to what’s happened in the past.”
Freeport’s mindset to just play football has the Yellowjackets (10-1) in the semifinals for the first time since 1990.
Both of Freeport’s playoff wins — over McGuffey (45-6) and Washington (24-14) — featured dominating defensive performances.
Aliquippa presents a completely different challenge. Quips running back Kaezon Pugh, who has rushed for over 4,000 career yards, leads Aliquippa with 1,600 yards rushing.
Pugh has 21 touchdowns and averages 10.74 yards per carry.
Quarterback Sheldon Jeter has passed for 1,159 yards and 15 touchdowns.
Freeport will need to count on its defense to continue to terrorize opponents.
The Yellowjackets recorded seven sacks last Friday against the Little Prexies, including three from Justin Brestensky.
Zmijanac is excited to watch his kids take on Freeport’s defensive line and linebackers, which includes West Virginia University commit Logan Thimons.
“I’m looking forward to the battle,” Zmijanac said. “That’s what the game is all about is up front.”
Gaillot is excited for the challenge and doesn’t think his team has peaked yet.
“I feel that every game we’ve gotten better and better,” Gaillot said. “I just challenge the 11 (players) that’s on the field every player, whether we rotate or not, to turn it up a notch.”
Against the Quips, that will be a necessity.
Note: Freeport and Aliquippa have one previous meeting in the WPIAL playoffs. The Quips beat the Yellowjackets 47-0 in the first round in 1999.
