Late missed field goal sends Penn-Trafford over Moon in WPIAL Class 5A title game

PITTSBURGH — It was a picture-perfect setting with the snow falling inside Heinz Field Saturday night, settling onto a chewed-up turf on the North Shore in an old-school, Western Pennsylvania-style WPIAL Class 5A championship game between the Moon Tigers and the Penn-Trafford Warriors.

Like most sports movies though, there's rarely a happy ending.

The Tigers were on the wrong side of a missed field goal with seconds left, handing the Warriors a thrilling 24-21 win, clinching a spot in the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association's state playoffs next week.

Despite the crushing defeat in the final seconds that ended a miraculous season for Moon, Moon head coach Ryan Linn was nothing but appreciative for the experience he and his program gained, making an impact on the school and the community as a whole, while also putting the program back on the map.

"It obviously stings to lose like that, but I could not be more proud of this group of players for the work they've put in and built to this point," Linn said inside a somber locker room following the three-point loss. "I got a text from a former principal of mine earlier this week that reminded me that, 'win or lose, think about the year you gave these players, this school, and this community.' That really hit me and has me appreciative of the journey and the experience tonight.

"It was just an awesome atmosphere with the snow and the fans. We are thankful to be part of it."

Though the missed field goal from 34 yards out by Moon senior Jacob Weiland sailed wide right, Saturday's game will be one players from both sides talk about for years to come due to the back-and-forth haymakers both teams landed in a battle that emulated a classic AFC North showdown.

Instead of Jerome Bettis against Jamal Lewis in Steelers-Ravens tilts, in the snow on the very same playing surface, it was Moon senior Ben Bladel and Penn-Trafford senior Cade Yacamelli — a Wisconsin commit — trading body blows for their respective teams, resulting in a heart stopping finish to wrap up championship weekend inside Heinz Field.

Bladel struck first for the Tigers, catching a short dump off from senior quarterback Ty McGowan before doing the rest of the work, racing untouched down the left sideline for a 44-yard touchdown, giving Moon a 7-3 lead

One drive later, after pairing with fellow senior defensive lineman Jake Baumgartner on back-to-back sacks to force a Warrior punt, Bladel bullied his way into the end zone from two yards out, tossing a Penn-Trafford defender to the side in the process, giving the Tigers a 14-3 lead 10:44 left in the second quarter.

That's when Yacamelli punched back, taking the second touch of the ensuing Warriors drive 53 yards off right tackle for the score, making it a 14-10 game.

The Tigers seemed to have an answer on the next offensive drive as McGowan found top receiver Tate Beichy 45 yards down the right sideline to put the Tigers in scoring position, but the drive ultimately stalled, giving Penn-Trafford possession late in the second quarter.

That's when Yacamelli made his biggest play of the game.

Facing a third and nine from their own 8 yard line, the Warriors dialed up a wheel route to Yacamelli, who caught the ball over the outstretched hands of a Moon defender and raced the final 75 yards down the left sideline for the 92-yard touchdown, giving the Warriors a stunning 17-14 lead.

"That was one of those that takes the wind out of your sails," Linn said. "We knew they were going to take a shot there, but if we could get a stop we were going to get a short field. Ball comes out a little goofy, floats over our kid's hand and he made a big play down the sideline.

"Hats off to those guys; [Penn Trafford head coach] John [Ruane] does a great job over there."

Bladel had the final laugh in the first half though, plunging in from 1-yard out with 18 seconds left to put the Tigers on top 21-17 at the break.

The display by the two standout seniors on the biggest of stages showed just why the two are considered among the best players in the WPIAL in any classification.

"They're two kids who didn't disappoint tonight," Linn said. "Ben's been that guy for us all year. That first long touchdown on the pass and then the two short runs...he's just week-in, week-out the best player on the field. Then you watch that kid over there [Yacamelli]...he's going to Wisconsin for a reason. Offensively, he's dynamic. But as a safety he's going to be lights out."

Opening up the second half the Tigers eyed an extension of their lead, but senior running back Jeremiah Dean fumbled the football away near midfield, giving the Warriors great field position.

A few plays later it was not Yacamelli, but dynamic quarterback Carter Green who raced off left tackle for a 29-yard touchdown, giving the Warriors a 24-21 lead they would not relinquish.

Trailing by three points and the run game slowing to a halt, the Tigers turned to McGowan, who was a rarely called on throughout the 2021 season but stepped up in a big way on the biggest of stages Saturday night.

McGowan had a night to remember even in defeat, completing 10-of-16 passes for 165 yards and a touchdown, while adding 70 yards rushing on 12 carries on a night in which the Warriors' defense often lost him in the backfield, allowing the athletic lefty to extend plays with his legs and move the chains.

The senior's performance under the bright lights Saturday is a testament to his preparation, according to Linn.

"We've always said as a coaching staff that Ty is always so prepared and ready to go no matter what," Linn said. "He showed that tonight. There were times tonight where he'd see things before we did and he'd check to them. That's just the kind of player he is. We're just so proud of him."

McGowan saved his best for last, driving the Tigers roughly 60 yards down the field with less than two minutes left in the fourth quarter, connecting with Beachy on a trio of throws over the middle to move the chains, while also using his legs to pick up free yardage the Warriors were allowing, especially with Moon needing a touchdown to win the game.

The comeback attempt came to a halt though as Weiland — a Mount Union soccer commit — pushed his field goal attempt wide right, sending the Penn-Trafford fanbase and sideline into a frenzy.

Moments like the one the Tigers found themselves in following the game — coming up excruciatingly short in a championship game — is difficult to deal with, especially at the high school level.

Asked what he said to his team after the heartbreaking loss — its first of the season — Linn was at a loss for words.

"...You just want to give them all a hug," Linn said. "This is tough. These seniors, they've meant so much to this program; this entire coaching staff has been where they are right now and feeling like they are, knowing their high school careers are over. It's just really tough overall.

"I'm just so proud of this group and have enjoyed every moment of this run, knowing what these players were able to do for the community and put Moon football back on the map."

Contact Joshua Carney at jcarney@gannett.com or 412-228-9178. Follow Joshua on Twitter: @ByJoshCarney

This article originally appeared on Beaver County Times: Late missed field goal sends Penn-Trafford over Moon in WPIAL Class 5A title game