CANFIELD — John Pecchia completed 6 of 12 passes for 121 yards and three touchdowns — all to Pat Durkin — as Youngstown Christian defeated Southington, 28-14, at Canfield High.

The win keeps the Eagles in Division VI Region 21 playoff contention and in first place atop the East Suburban Conference standings.

Durkin caught three passes for 60 yards for the Eagles (6-2, 4-0), who entered the game 11th in the Region 21 computer ratings. The top eight teams in each region qualify for the playoffs. The Eagles had not won a league title or made a playoff appearance in their first four seasons.

Marqueal Smith had 31 carries for 120 yards and a TD with 1:32 left that sealed the victory.

Smith also surpassed 1,000 yards rushing this season to become the first player in YCS’s five-year history to reach that milestone.

Trailing 21-14, Southington (4-4, 2-2) drove into YCS territory with less than three minutes remaining, but Sandy Perkins picked off a pass from Brad Sherwood and returned it 20 yards to set up Smith’s TD.

Sherwood was 5 of 14 for 49 yards and Jim Rasey carried 28 times for 124 yards and two TDs as the Wildcats took a 14-0 lead midway through the second quarter.

University School 28, Warren JFK 17

HUNTING VALLEY — Dan Frate threw for three touchdowns, including two to Justin Chappell, and the quarterback ran for another TD as University School prevailed.

Frate also had a TD toss to Nick Mills. Frate completed 18 of 28 passes for 337 yards. Chappell’s seven catches totaled 170 yards.

After Mike Perisa’s 37-yard field goal put JFK ahead, 3-0, late in the first quarter, University School scored 21 second-quarter points.

James Coates scored twice for the Eagles, on a 19-yard run and a 15-yard pass from Anthony Angelo.

New Castle 40, Moon 6

NEW CASTLE, Pa. — Michael Bongivengo rushed for two touchdowns, passed for two more and ran for a two-point conversion in leading New Castle.

Bongivengo gained 44 yards on 11 carries, which included TD runs of 10 and 6 yards. He completed 13 of 20 passes for 164 yards, which included TD strikes of 13 yard to Brandon Burley and 7 yards to Justin Fleo. Keith Keene gained 139 yards on seven attempts for the Red Hurricanes.

Grady Moon scored on a 7-yard run for Moon Area in the fourth quarter.