Jake Kissell’s all-around performance pushes Bishop Guilfoyle past Clearfield

Bishop Guilfoyle star quarterback Jake Kissell threw a touchdown and rushed for two more as the Marauders beat the Clearfield Bison 20-13.

“He’s incredible,” Bishop Guilfoyle head coach Justin Wheeler said. “I say it all the time, when you come to a game and watch us play, you know Jake’s name, and you expect him to do great things. And somehow, he surprises you.”

Kissell's performance included rushing touchdowns of one and four yards, as well as an 18-yard strike to senior receiver Tyson Lestochi. Kissell lined up at several offensive positions for the Marauders, while also being a key part of the defensive unit.

“I’ve been playing both sides since my sophomore year,” Kissell said. “I love defense. I love offense. It’s just that fourth-quarter mentality. At B.G., we push through all the hardships.”

On Clearfield’s final offensive drive, quarterback Xavier Curry aired it out to the end zone, but the pass was tipped in the air by Lestochi, who then brought the deflection down for a game-sealing interception.

“I knew they were going to run something deep,” Lestochi said. “They hadn’t run deep on me the whole game. I made a play on the ball and ended up catching it.”

With the win over the Bison, Bishop Guilfoyle improves to 8-1 on the season. The team will face Bishop McCort in the Laurel Highlands Conference championship game on Friday at Saint Francis University.

“We’re excited,” Wheeler said. “As a program, we want to play for championships, and to get there back-to-back years is exciting.”

Elliott Inscho is a first-year majoring in digital and print journalism. To contact him, email eli5026@psu.edu