Steelton-Highspire wins title

Jeremiah Young had four TDs and 292 yards rushing in the win.

ASSOCIATED PRESS

HERSHEY, Pa. — The comeback kids from Steelton-Highspire earned a new nickname — state champs.

Jeremiah Young ran for four touchdowns and a Class A final record of 292 yards on 45 carries in a 34-15 victory Friday over previously undefeated Serra Catholic. The Rollers’ front seven dominated on defense and some lucky bounces helped Steelton win its first state football title.

Steelton’s rushing attack was the perfect offense for a game played in blustery conditions at Hersheypark Stadium. The Eagles (15-1) never threatened.

A 3,000-yard rusher, Young got off to a slow start for Steelton (13-3), fumbling twice during a first-quarter drive. Then the slippery tailback quickly returned to form.

In the second quarter, Young exploded through the line, made a couple nice cuts and got a key open-field block from receiver Kevin Porter on a 52-yard touchdown run. The only person near the goal line was teammate Jordan Smith, who waved him on frantically, as Young gave Steelton a 20-0 lead with 9:14 left in the second quarter.

Steelton fans started celebrating early after Young scored from 9 yards out and followed with a 2-point conversion late in the third quarter to extend the lead to 28-7. Their fans, bundled up in hoodies and parkas, hooted and hollered most of the second half.

The Rollers’ win was a drastic turnaround from October, when three straight losses dropped them to 4-3. They won nine straight after their last loss on Oct. 20, culminating with a state title.

Serra quarterback T.J. Heatherington scored on a 30-yard run in the second quarter to help narrow the deficit to 20-7, but the Eagles squandered several opportunities to get closer.

Class AAA

Three Thomas Jefferson football players picked up a bucket of ice water and snuck behind Zach DeCicco as he was giving an interview, hoping to give their teammate a celebratory cold shower.

It was one of the few times that anyone got a good hit on DeCicco.

The senior quarterback passed for two touchdowns and ran for another as Jefferson sealed its undefeated season with a 28-3 win over Garnet Valley to claim the PIAA Class AAA title.

“It’s freezing,” DeCicco exclaimed with a smile before jogging to the end zone for a team picture with the championship trophy — Jefferson’s first title since 2004.

DeCicco hit 10 of 17 passes for 137 yards and ran for 71 yards on four carries. Also a defensive back, DeCicco chipped in with two interceptions for Jefferson (16-0).

“He just makes plays,” Jefferson coach Bill Cherpak said. “He’s everything you want in a team football player. Whatever it takes, he’ll do.”

Nate Bota rushed for 143 yards and a score, Jefferson’s offensive line dominated the trenches and the defense bottled up Garnet’s potent offense.