Despite losing in the state championship to Bishop Guilfoyle, Port Allegany still has much to look back on and look forward to. A 14-1 season and their first state title appearance in program history say enough about just how special it was.
Senior linemen Carson Neely and Juuso Young led an offensive line that pushed opposing defenses around. Aiden Bliss was just the 11th player in Pennsylvania high school football history to reach 3,000 rushing yards in a season. Tristan Kiser also reached over 1,000 yards this year. The great thing is that they are both only juniors, watch out for these two next season.
“We loved every ounce of it,” Neely said, talking about the season after Thursday’s game. “Especially me being a senior. Those guys are my brothers.”
After losing last year to Redbank Valley in the district title, they blew out the Bulldogs twice this season to easily display their dominance over the rest of District 9.
Head Coach Justin Bienkowski built an identity into this team. They knew who they were and were willing to impose their will on other teams. They were capable in the passing game, but didn’t really have to throw a ton because they were so dominant at running the football.
Winning District 9 is a big accomplishment, but it is rare that a team from this area is able to hold up for multiple games against the best teams in the state. The Gators were able to pull away against Wilmington in the state quarterfinals, 38-20. The Greyhounds wanted to play the same style of physical football, but Port Allegany won that battle.
Next came the WPIAL champion Fort Cherry in the state semifinal. Most people from around the state saw WPIAL against District 9 and predicted a landslide for Fort Cherry.
Port Allegany proved the doubters wrong and straight up crushed the Rangers in a 46-8 win. They dominated by just simply doing what they did all season.
In 2025, the Gators have a chance to finish with a state title yet again.
Bliss and Kiser return. One can only imagine what next season’s rushing numbers could look like with another year of maturity for these two backs. Other key players like defensive backs Kellen Veilluex and Nick Wilfong return as well.
They do lose three key linemen including Neely and Young. Ethan Tarbox will be looked upon to lead the line in his senior season next year.
The experience of state playoff success will give them an edge over their 2025 competition. Reaching the state championship game and losing could motivate these players to reach new heights.
Port Allegany’s quest for a state title did not end after their loss to Bishop Guilfoyle Thursday, it is only just beginning.
