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WPIAL football: Elizabeth Forward wins shootout vs. North Catholic on Luke Holdren’s walk-off FG

November 09, 2024 Last Updated: November 09, 2024 12:28 AM Sports

Elizabeth Forward defeated North Catholic 45-42 in a WPIAL Class 3A football semifinal game at Elizabeth Forward High School on Friday, Nov. 8. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (11/8/2024)

North Catholic prays together after their loss to Elizabeth Forward in a WPIAL Class 3A football semifinal game at Elizabeth Forward High School on Friday, Nov. 8. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (11/8/2024)

North Catholic's Logan Schade is tackled in a WPIAL Class 3A football semifinal game against Elizabeth Forward at Elizabeth Forward High School on Friday, Nov. 8. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (11/8/2024)

North Catholic's Joe Safar is tackled in a WPIAL Class 3A football semifinal game against Elizabeth Forward at Elizabeth Forward High School on Friday, Nov. 8. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (11/8/2024)

Elizabeth Forward defeated North Catholic 45-42 in a WPIAL Class 3A football semifinal game at Elizabeth Forward High School on Friday, Nov. 8. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (11/8/2024)

North Catholic tight end Joe Safar flexes after a play. The Trojans lost to Elizabeth Forward 45-42 in a WPIAL Class 3A football semifinal game at Elizabeth Forward High School on Friday, Nov. 8. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (11/8/2024)

Elizabeth Forward defeated North Catholic 45-42 in a WPIAL Class 3A football semifinal game at Elizabeth Forward High School on Friday, Nov. 8. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (11/8/2024)

North Catholic's Nate Maher reacts to the team's loss to Elizabeth Forward in a WPIAL Class 3A football semifinal game at Elizabeth Forward High School on Friday, Nov. 8. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (11/8/2024)

North Catholic's Ryker Kennedy reacts to the team's loss in a WPIAL Class 3A football semifinal game against Elizabeth Forward at Elizabeth Forward High School on Friday, Nov. 8. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (11/8/2024)

North Catholic's Ryan Snyder plays defense in a WPIAL Class 3A football semifinal game against Elizabeth Forward at Elizabeth Forward High School on Friday, Nov. 8. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (11/8/2024)

North Catholic's Ryan Snyder hugs a teammate after the team's loss to Elizabeth Forward in a WPIAL Class 3A football semifinal game at Elizabeth Forward High School on Friday, Nov. 8. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (11/8/2024)

North Catholic's Jack White hugs Stephen Strishock (20) after the team's loss to Elizabeth Forward in a WPIAL Class 3A football semifinal game at Elizabeth Forward High School on Friday, Nov. 8. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (11/8/2024)

North Catholic's Ryker Kennedy misses a pass during a WPIAL Class 3A football semifinal game against Elizabeth Forward at Elizabeth Forward High School on Friday, Nov. 8. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (11/8/2024)

North Catholic cheerleaders react to the football team's loss in a WPIAL Class 3A football semifinal game against Elizabeth Forward at Elizabeth Forward High School on Friday, Nov. 8. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (11/8/2024)

Elizabeth Forward defeated North Catholic 45-42 in a WPIAL Class 3A football semifinal game at Elizabeth Forward High School on Friday, Nov. 8. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (11/8/2024)
Elizabeth Forward defeated North Catholic 45-42 in a WPIAL Class 3A football semifinal game at Elizabeth Forward High School on Friday, Nov. 8. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (11/8/2024)
North Catholic prays together after their loss to Elizabeth Forward in a WPIAL Class 3A football semifinal game at Elizabeth Forward High School on Friday, Nov. 8. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (11/8/2024)
North Catholic's Logan Schade is tackled in a WPIAL Class 3A football semifinal game against Elizabeth Forward at Elizabeth Forward High School on Friday, Nov. 8. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (11/8/2024)
North Catholic's Joe Safar is tackled in a WPIAL Class 3A football semifinal game against Elizabeth Forward at Elizabeth Forward High School on Friday, Nov. 8. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (11/8/2024)
Elizabeth Forward defeated North Catholic 45-42 in a WPIAL Class 3A football semifinal game at Elizabeth Forward High School on Friday, Nov. 8. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (11/8/2024)
Elizabeth Forward defeated North Catholic 45-42 in a WPIAL Class 3A football semifinal game at Elizabeth Forward High School on Friday, Nov. 8. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (11/8/2024)
Elizabeth Forward defeated North Catholic 45-42 in a WPIAL Class 3A football semifinal game at Elizabeth Forward High School on Friday, Nov. 8. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (11/8/2024)
Elizabeth Forward defeated North Catholic 45-42 in a WPIAL Class 3A football semifinal game at Elizabeth Forward High School on Friday, Nov. 8. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (11/8/2024)
Elizabeth Forward defeated North Catholic 45-42 in a WPIAL Class 3A football semifinal game at Elizabeth Forward High School on Friday, Nov. 8. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (11/8/2024)
Elizabeth Forward defeated North Catholic 45-42 in a WPIAL Class 3A football semifinal game at Elizabeth Forward High School on Friday, Nov. 8. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (11/8/2024)
Elizabeth Forward defeated North Catholic 45-42 in a WPIAL Class 3A football semifinal game at Elizabeth Forward High School on Friday, Nov. 8. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (11/8/2024)
Elizabeth Forward defeated North Catholic 45-42 in a WPIAL Class 3A football semifinal game at Elizabeth Forward High School on Friday, Nov. 8. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (11/8/2024)
Elizabeth Forward defeated North Catholic 45-42 in a WPIAL Class 3A football semifinal game at Elizabeth Forward High School on Friday, Nov. 8. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (11/8/2024)
Elizabeth Forward defeated North Catholic 45-42 in a WPIAL Class 3A football semifinal game at Elizabeth Forward High School on Friday, Nov. 8. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (11/8/2024)
Elizabeth Forward defeated North Catholic 45-42 in a WPIAL Class 3A football semifinal game at Elizabeth Forward High School on Friday, Nov. 8. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (11/8/2024)
Elizabeth Forward defeated North Catholic 45-42 in a WPIAL Class 3A football semifinal game at Elizabeth Forward High School on Friday, Nov. 8. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (11/8/2024)
Elizabeth Forward defeated North Catholic 45-42 in a WPIAL Class 3A football semifinal game at Elizabeth Forward High School on Friday, Nov. 8. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (11/8/2024)
Elizabeth Forward defeated North Catholic 45-42 in a WPIAL Class 3A football semifinal game at Elizabeth Forward High School on Friday, Nov. 8. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (11/8/2024)
Elizabeth Forward defeated North Catholic 45-42 in a WPIAL Class 3A football semifinal game at Elizabeth Forward High School on Friday, Nov. 8. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (11/8/2024)
Elizabeth Forward defeated North Catholic 45-42 in a WPIAL Class 3A football semifinal game at Elizabeth Forward High School on Friday, Nov. 8. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (11/8/2024)
Elizabeth Forward defeated North Catholic 45-42 in a WPIAL Class 3A football semifinal game at Elizabeth Forward High School on Friday, Nov. 8. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (11/8/2024)
Elizabeth Forward defeated North Catholic 45-42 in a WPIAL Class 3A football semifinal game at Elizabeth Forward High School on Friday, Nov. 8. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (11/8/2024)
Elizabeth Forward defeated North Catholic 45-42 in a WPIAL Class 3A football semifinal game at Elizabeth Forward High School on Friday, Nov. 8. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (11/8/2024)
Elizabeth Forward defeated North Catholic 45-42 in a WPIAL Class 3A football semifinal game at Elizabeth Forward High School on Friday, Nov. 8. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (11/8/2024)
Elizabeth Forward defeated North Catholic 45-42 in a WPIAL Class 3A football semifinal game at Elizabeth Forward High School on Friday, Nov. 8. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (11/8/2024)
Elizabeth Forward defeated North Catholic 45-42 in a WPIAL Class 3A football semifinal game at Elizabeth Forward High School on Friday, Nov. 8. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (11/8/2024)
Elizabeth Forward defeated North Catholic 45-42 in a WPIAL Class 3A football semifinal game at Elizabeth Forward High School on Friday, Nov. 8. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (11/8/2024)
Elizabeth Forward defeated North Catholic 45-42 in a WPIAL Class 3A football semifinal game at Elizabeth Forward High School on Friday, Nov. 8. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (11/8/2024)
Elizabeth Forward defeated North Catholic 45-42 in a WPIAL Class 3A football semifinal game at Elizabeth Forward High School on Friday, Nov. 8. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (11/8/2024)
Elizabeth Forward defeated North Catholic 45-42 in a WPIAL Class 3A football semifinal game at Elizabeth Forward High School on Friday, Nov. 8. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (11/8/2024)
Elizabeth Forward defeated North Catholic 45-42 in a WPIAL Class 3A football semifinal game at Elizabeth Forward High School on Friday, Nov. 8. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (11/8/2024)
Elizabeth Forward defeated North Catholic 45-42 in a WPIAL Class 3A football semifinal game at Elizabeth Forward High School on Friday, Nov. 8. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (11/8/2024)
Elizabeth Forward defeated North Catholic 45-42 in a WPIAL Class 3A football semifinal game at Elizabeth Forward High School on Friday, Nov. 8. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (11/8/2024)
North Catholic tight end Joe Safar flexes after a play. The Trojans lost to Elizabeth Forward 45-42 in a WPIAL Class 3A football semifinal game at Elizabeth Forward High School on Friday, Nov. 8. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (11/8/2024)
Elizabeth Forward defeated North Catholic 45-42 in a WPIAL Class 3A football semifinal game at Elizabeth Forward High School on Friday, Nov. 8. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (11/8/2024)
Elizabeth Forward defeated North Catholic 45-42 in a WPIAL Class 3A football semifinal game at Elizabeth Forward High School on Friday, Nov. 8. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (11/8/2024)
Elizabeth Forward defeated North Catholic 45-42 in a WPIAL Class 3A football semifinal game at Elizabeth Forward High School on Friday, Nov. 8. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (11/8/2024)
Elizabeth Forward defeated North Catholic 45-42 in a WPIAL Class 3A football semifinal game at Elizabeth Forward High School on Friday, Nov. 8. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (11/8/2024)
Elizabeth Forward defeated North Catholic 45-42 in a WPIAL Class 3A football semifinal game at Elizabeth Forward High School on Friday, Nov. 8. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (11/8/2024)
North Catholic's Nate Maher reacts to the team's loss to Elizabeth Forward in a WPIAL Class 3A football semifinal game at Elizabeth Forward High School on Friday, Nov. 8. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (11/8/2024)
North Catholic's Ryker Kennedy reacts to the team's loss in a WPIAL Class 3A football semifinal game against Elizabeth Forward at Elizabeth Forward High School on Friday, Nov. 8. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (11/8/2024)
North Catholic's Ryan Snyder plays defense in a WPIAL Class 3A football semifinal game against Elizabeth Forward at Elizabeth Forward High School on Friday, Nov. 8. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (11/8/2024)
North Catholic's Ryan Snyder hugs a teammate after the team's loss to Elizabeth Forward in a WPIAL Class 3A football semifinal game at Elizabeth Forward High School on Friday, Nov. 8. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (11/8/2024)
North Catholic's Jack White hugs Stephen Strishock (20) after the team's loss to Elizabeth Forward in a WPIAL Class 3A football semifinal game at Elizabeth Forward High School on Friday, Nov. 8. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (11/8/2024)
North Catholic's Ryker Kennedy misses a pass during a WPIAL Class 3A football semifinal game against Elizabeth Forward at Elizabeth Forward High School on Friday, Nov. 8. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (11/8/2024)
North Catholic cheerleaders react to the football team's loss in a WPIAL Class 3A football semifinal game against Elizabeth Forward at Elizabeth Forward High School on Friday, Nov. 8. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (11/8/2024)

ELIZABETH — After trading offensive blows all night, somebody from North Catholic or Elizabeth Forward needed to produce a key defensive play.

Enter Andrew Grese.

The Warrior defensive back intercepted a Joey Felitsky pass at midfield with 1 minute, 27 seconds remaining Friday night, setting up the game-winning field goal at Warrior Stadium.

Luke Holdren booted a 25-yard field goal on the game's final play to give Elizabeth Forward a 45-42 WPIAL Class 3A football quarterfinal win over the Trojans.

"Luke is only a sophomore. He kicked for us as a freshman last year, and I'm glad we have him," EF coach John DeMarco said. "He has a bright future in this game."

The interception was the lone blip in an otherwise stellar night for Felitsky. The junior quarterback threw for 294 yards and two touchdowns. Tom Arth rushed for three scores for the Trojans (5-7).

"Joey has been our man all year," Trojans coach Chris Rizzo said. "He got us this far. He's been tremendous."

DeMarco echoed those thoughts, calling Felitsky "the best quarterback in the WPIAL.

"We knew we would have our hands full with this matchup," the coach said.

The Warriors (8-3) entered the game allowing an average of 10 points during a six-game winning streak.

North trailed 35-28 in the third quarter before an Arth 1-yard run capped a 78-yard drive that tied the game. An Arth 2-yard run capped a 51-yard drive to put the Trojans ahead with 9:50 left.

A punt pinned EF back on its 2-yard line with 7:40 on the clock. The Warriors, primarily using the running of Charles Nigut, marched 98 yards in 11 plays to knot the game with 2:33 to go.

Grese's interception prompted a 42-yard drive for the field goal.

"This was a shootout," Rizzo said. "They just made more big plays down the stretch than we did."

Nigut had 37 carries for 268 yards. Quarterback Ryan Messina combined for 180 yards running and throwing. EF had 504 yards of offense, North 419.

The teams repeatedly traded punches in the first half, scoring four touchdowns each with neither team ever leading by more than a single score. Both teams had two scoring drives that took less than 40 seconds off the clock.

The Trojans and Warriors combined for 25 first downs and 595 yards of offense in the first two quarters.

Felitsky threw for 185 yards and two touchdowns, including a 73-yard bomb to tight end Joe Sagar. Nigut countered with 155 yards rushing and four touchdowns in the first half.

North tied the game with 19 seconds left before halftime by marching 80 yards in six plays, capped by Ryker Kennedy catching a 19-yard scoring pass.

North Catholic 14 14 7 7 — 42

Elizabeth Forward 14 14 7 10 — 45

First Quarter

EF — Charles Nigut 38 run (Luke Holdren kick), 7:37

NC — Tom Arth 8 run (Dylan Shantz kick), 2:13

EF — Nigut 18 run (Shantz kick), 1:55

NC — Joe Safar 73 pass from Joey Felitsky (Shantz kick), 1:18

Second Quarter

NC — Logan Schade 58 run (Shantz kick), 11:47

EF — Nigut 2 run (Holdren kick), 10:08

EF — Nigut 4 run (Holdren kick), 1:08

NC — Ryker Kennedy 19 pass from Felitsky (Shantz kick), :19

Third Quarter

EF — Ryan Messina 1 run (Holdren kick), 5:27

NC — Arth 1 run (Shantz kick), 1:13

Fourth Quarter

NC — Arth 1 run (Shantz kick), 9:50

EF — Messina 1 run (Holdren kick), 2:33

EF — Holdren 25 field goal, :00

Individual Statistics

Passing: North Catholic, Joey Felitsky 19-29-294-1, Tom Arth 0-1-0-1. Elizabeth Forward, Ryan Messina 5-11-87-0.

Rushing: North Catholic, Joey Felitsky 4-(-7), Logan Schade 9-89, Tom Arth 8-23, Christian Naylor 10-20. Elizabeth Forward, Ryan Messina 13-93, Charles Nigut 37-268, Andrew Grese 3-56.

Receiving: North Catholic, Jack White 2-15, Tom Arth 4-64, Logan Schade 1-19, Will Waskiewicz 4-57, Joe Safar 3-98, Ryker Kennedy 4-51, Christian Naylor 1-2. Elizabeth Forward, Charles Nigut 2-36, Andrew Grese 2-41, Chad Rager 1-10.