It was a simple pattern that produced a pair of Greensburg Central Catholic touchdowns.

Both plays were carried out to perfection by Centurions seniors Trent Hurley and Evan Marshall in last Friday's WPIAL Class AA semifinal game against Keystone Oaks, which was played at Elizabeth Forward High School's Warrior Stadium.

"We ran a '98' on both touchdown passes," Hurley said. "It's a fly and a post. When we lined up in a twins formation, [Keystone Oaks] switched to a cover three. That gave Evan one-on-one coverage with the corner and no help from the safety."

Hurley connected with Marshall on a 44-yard scoring strike with 4:59 left in the second quarter.

"They were straight fades, with my job to get open," Marshall said. "Trent put the ball right on the money both times. He's a tremendous athlete. They were perfect throws and I just ran my heart out."

Hurley and Marshall connected again on a 47-yard touchdown pass on the Centurions' first possession of the second half after a Keystone Oaks fumble. That gave Greensburg Central Catholic a commanding 17-7 lead.

"We generally run the ball, but we also have the passing game when we need it," said Marshall, who caught four passes for 111 yards. "We executed perfectly today.

Hurley completed 9 of 19 passes accounting for 158 yards.

"Everybody will tell you that I'm an old-fashioned coach because I like to run the ball," Greensburg Central Catholic coach Muzzy Colosimo said. "But we also have a great passing game. Our passing game is overshadowed by our emphasis on the running game, but our passing game has played a big part in our success."

Greensburg CC held off a late rally by Keystone Oaks to hold on to a 24-19 victory against Keystone Oaks.

"Evan has been my go-to guy all season," Hurley said. "Every time we need a big catch, Evan gets it done."

Greensburg Central clinched the victory with a 34-yard touchdown run by David Miller with 5:42 left in the game. Miller ran on all five plays during the 68-yard drive. He ran for 93 yards on 13 carries in the first half and finished the game with 217 yards on 29 carries.

"David gets stronger as the game goes on," Colosimo said. "He wares out opposing defenses with his constant pounding."

The semifinal victory earns Greensburg Central (10-2) a berth in Friday's WPIAL championship game against defending champion Aliquippa (11-1). The Centurions entered the 16-team bracket seeded No. 11, while Aliquippa was seeded No. 9.

"We started off the season 2-2," Hurley said. "We knew if we lost another game, it might knock us out of the playoffs. So every game from week five on has been a playoff game for us. Now we're going to the house."

Hurley is referring to Heinz Field, the site of Friday's championship game.

"I can't believe it," said Hurley. "It's a dream come true to be playing at Heinz Field.

Hurley has completed 91 of 177 passes for 1,632 yards and 16 touchdowns. Marshall has 39 receptions for 781 yards and nine touchdowns.

"This is the third time in four years [Greensburg Central Catholic] has been to the finals, and we haven't won yet," Marshall said. "We're hoping to be the team that brings home the first WPIAL title. I really think we're going to be that team."

Miller is closing in on the 2,000-yard rushing mark. He has 1,940 yards and 31 touchdowns on 226 carries.

"David is unbelievable," Hurley said. "He saved the game for us against Keystone Oaks."

"I've had a 1,000-yard rusher every year, except for my first year," said Colosimo, who is in his 15th season at GCC. "David has been a great back for us."

Greensburg Central Catholic High School is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year.

"I have friends who joke with me that I can't win the big game," Colosimo said. "I'm hoping to prove them wrong on Friday. It would be great to win a WPIAL title on the school's 50th anniversary."

• WPIAL Class AA championship: Greensburg Central Catholic (10-2) vs. Aliquippa (11-1), 1:30 p.m.

• Where: Heinz Field.

• TV: FSN Pittsburgh (tape delay at 11 p.m.).

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