Stakes high as Leechburg, Jeannette meet in battle of unbeatens
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Wednesday, September 18, 2024 | 6:18 PM
Leechburg’s Jayden Floyd attempts a run as Riverview’s Quintan Catanzaro attempts a tackle on Sept. 13.
Leechburg’s Tim Andrasy runs the ball against Riverview on Sept. 13.
Leechburg’s Jayden Floyd looks for an opening against Riverview on Sept. 13.
Leechburg’s Brice Gilmer attempts a catch against Riverview on Sept. 13.
Jeannette players huddle during practice Sept. 16.
Jeannette’s Markus McGowan practices Sept. 16.
Jeannette coach Tommy Paulone Jr. talks to Kymon’e Brown during practice Sept. 16.
Leechburg and Jeannette don’t have a rich history.
Sure, they’ve squared off 18 times over the years, have met annually since 2014 and also played from 1980 to 1987.
Jeannette has dominated by winning 14 of the meetings, and most of them haven’t been close.
But none of that will matter when the two undefeated teams square off Friday at McKee Stadium.
Leechburg coach Randy Walters and Jeannette coach Tommy Paulone Jr. know the WPIAL Class A Eastern Conference game is huge. Both teams are 4-0, 1-0.
One of the teams will be dropping from the ranks of the unbeaten and out of first place in the conference.
Leechburg is trying to make history. The Blue Devils haven’t started 5-0 since 1981, when it began the season with wins against Shady Side Academy, Mars, Ford City, Apollo-Ridge and Richland (now Pine-Richland). It lost to Jeannette, 16-6.
“It’s going to be a classic Friday night football game,” Paulone said. “It is going to be physical on both sides of the ball, and it is going to be a chess match with Randy on the other sideline.
“They are physical up front, well coached, run a great system on both sides of the ball and they have a great quarterback and all-state middle linebacker. They are just a good team all around.”
Quarterback Jayden Floyd and tight end/tailback/linebacker Jake Cummings lead Leechburg.
Floyd has completed 35 of 56 passes for 401 yards and four touchdowns. He has rushed for a team-high 632 yards and 13 scores.
Cummings has 13 catches for 184 yards and two touchdowns and has rushed for 174 yards and two scores. The starting tailback is Tim Andrasy, who has rushed for 290 yards and two touchdowns.
“Jayden has done a good job running the offense,” Walters said. “He runs the ball well, and he is gifted.
“Jake does it all. He will do anything we ask, and he is a leader on defense.”
Leechburg averages 38 points per game and allows 15.7. The Blue Devils own wins against Apollo-Ridge (19-14), Beth-Center (42-8), Serra Catholic (48-27) and Riverview (43-14).
Jeannette averages 36.7 points per game and allows 26.5. The Jayhawks have blocked a punt and a field goal in the past two games. They have beaten Mt. Pleasant (28-27), Apollo-Ridge (42-28), Ligonier Valley (34-27) and Frazier (43-24).
Walters said he expects a tough game from Jeannette, especially on the road
“Their quarterback (Kymon’e Brown) reminds me of Steve Breaston,” Walters said, referencing the former Woodland Hills star who went on to play at Michigan and in the NFL. “He’s a good passer and a scary runner. They have a lot of speed and are physical. Our defense will be tested.”
Brown and Markus McGowan share the quarterback duties. Brown has completed 24 of 38 passes for 498 yards and eight touchdowns. He has rushed for 356 yards and four scores. McGowan is 20 of 30 for 261 yards and two touchdowns.
Jayce Powell is the top target of the quarterbacks. He has 17 catches for 409 yards and six touchdowns. Noah Sunder has eight catches for 136 yards and three touchdowns.
“That’s quite the compliment coming from Randy about Kymon’e,” Paulone said. “In a game like this, you must play mistake-free football, know your assignments and alignments.
“Both teams are similar. It’s going to be a great battle.”
Jeannette-Leechburg series history
All-time series: Jeannette leads 14-3-1
1980: Tied, 21-21
1981: Jeannette, 16-6
1982: Jeannette, 28-6
1983: Jeannette, 57-0
1984: Jeannette, 35-7
1985: Jeannette, 33-0
1986: Jeannette, 21-12
1987: Leechburg, 9-6
2014: Jeannette, 48-6
2015: Jeannette, 44-7
2016: Jeannette, 49-3
2017: Jeannette, 49-6
2018: Jeannette, 38-0
2019: Jeannette, 33-6
2020: Jeannette, 60-14
2021: Leechburg, 57-3
2022: Leechburg, 58-21
2023: Jeannette, 37-31
Paul Schofield is a TribLive reporter covering high school and college sports and local golf. He joined the Trib in 1995 after spending 15 years at the Daily Courier in Connellsville, where he served as sports editor for 14 years. He can be reached at pschofield@triblive.com.
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