By RYAN WILK
WINDBER — Bedford’s improbable playoff run is over.
Greensburg Central Catholic used a balanced rushing attack and stifling defense to hand the Bisons only their second loss in eight games,
49-12, on Friday night and advance to the PIAA semifinals.
David Miller led the Centurions with 83 yards on 15 carries and three touchdowns – reaching 40 for the season – while Zach Wilson, Evan Marshall, Trent Hurley and Jon Turik each added scores.
“When we came out, we looked at their size and thought they were a lot smaller than we thought,” Greensburg Central Catholic coach Muzzy Colosimo said. “I think the kids got a big head thinking we’ll just pound this team, but they didn’t. Bedford wouldn’t quit. They just wouldn’t go away.”
The Bisons showed that tenacity early on.
After falling behind midway through the first on a 1-yard Miller score, Bedford’s special teams stepped up, recovering a muffed punt at the Centurions 38. The Bisons capitalized on the field position when Paul Detwiler, who finished with 130 yards on 22 carries, punched it in from 3 yards out.
From then on the WPIAL champion Centurions proved why they’re considered one of the best teams in the state.
They started their next possession at Bedford’s 23 and needed just six plays to extend their lead.
Wilson darted up the middle from 9 yards out, and Brian Gongaware nailed the extra point to make it 14-6.
The Centurions got the ball right back when Detwiler fumbled at his 41. Six players later it was Miller’s turn again, as he went off-tackle and shook off a would-be tackler for a 19-yard touchdown.
“You can’t turn the ball over four times against a good team and expect to win,” said Bedford’s Dan Smith, who was on the sidelines for the final time as Bedford’ head coach.
After forcing a turnover on downs, the Centurions’ offense was back at it, needing only seven plays to march 75 yards, highlighted by two long Hurley runs and capped by a 23-yard Miller run.
Bedford looked like it regained its composure to start the second half. Detwiler set the Bisons’ offense up in solid field position with a 22-yard kickoff return, and then two plays later darted 54 yards inside the Centurions 5.
Brian Gibbons hauled in a pass from Marcus Shippey on second down, but the two-point try failed, setting the score at 28-12.
Greensburg Central Catholic struck right back when Evan Marshall returned the ensuing kickoff 94 yards for a touchdown.
Hurley added a 1-yard quarterback sneak late in the third, and Turik’s score came with 2:46 left from 2 yards out.
Bedford ended the season 7-7 while Greensburg Central Catholic improved to 12-2.
