WEST MIFFLIN, Pa. — The West Mifflin Titans (1-0) used a second-half comeback to defeat the Elizabeth Forward Warriors (0-1) 17-16 in Week 1 of the WPIAL. This was a rematch of last season’s dramatic Class 3A quarterfinal matchup, when the Warriors emerged victorious and advanced to the semifinals. The Titans sought revenge to kick off the 2024 season.
After both teams lost some key players to graduation, both sides were able to return some stars who will lead their respective teams in 2024.
For the Warriors, lineman Christopher Climes, a recruit from Buffalo, anchors both the offensive line and defensive line. The Titans brought back phenomenal running back Armand Hill, who burst onto the scene as a rookie in 2023. The Titans also have an anchor on their defensive line in Akron recruit Jaiden Brown-Demery.
Each team opened the game with a three-and-out before the Titans stormed down the field and came away with a chip shot field goal. The Warriors immediately stormed down the field to answer but missed a 42-yard field goal. The field goal attempt was set up by a 44-yard run by Charlie Nigut. After the first quarter, the Titans led 3-0.
On the Warriors’ only drive of the second quarter, they used 14 plays to cover 59 yards and score the game-winning touchdown, which came on a 7-yard wildcat keeper by Nigut.
The Warriors wasted most of their time on goal with their long attack, leaving the Titans no time to respond before halftime.
The Titans forced a quick punt early in the third quarter, but Rich Fix dropped the punt, giving the Warriors the ball at the Titans’ 29-yard line. Just when it looked like the Warriors would extend their lead, they held firm at their goal line and forced a fumble.
Two plays later, the Warriors defense allowed Titans quarterback Zahir Ismaeli to fumble while trying to avoid multiple sack attempts. The Warriors took advantage of the loss to have Luke Holdren kick a field goal that extended the lead to a full touchdown.
Just when it looked like the Titans were going to lose the game, Fix redeemed himself and returned the kickoff to the Warriors’ side, leading to a 25-yard touchdown run by Ismaeli that tied the game.
Later in the fourth quarter, Israeli again broke free for a 64-yard run that set up what appeared to be a game-winning field goal, but a bad snap ruined the Titans’ field goal attempt.
The Titans defense rallied and allowed their offense to regain possession with just under two minutes left in the game, leading to a 44-yard touchdown run by sophomore Hill to take the lead.
As time expired in the fourth quarter, the Warriors stormed down the field with less than a minute left to play and scored. In an attempt to tie the game, a bad snap resulted in no kick attempt, ending the game.
Next week, the Titans travel to Avonworth while the Warriors travel to play non-conference opponent Highlands.
