Football playoffs continue on Saturday
Don't look now, but only a few teams are left in football playoff action. Like the gameshow Survivor, only the strong will survive.
On Saturday, six teams will be put to the test in three matchups. Will it be time to dust off the old basketball and start working on that jumpshot or strap on the chinstrap again and prepare for next week's football battle?
By the end of the day, we'll know where each team stands.
When the clock strikes noon, West Catholic (9-2) will have the daunting task of handing Bok (10-0) its first loss of the season in the District 12 Class AA final at Southern.
The Burrs will have to find a way to score if they plan on accomplishing their goal. Bok has recorded four shutouts in its 10 games and allowed an amazing average of just five points per game.
And, the Wildcats' offense is just as scary as their defense. Led by running back Khalil Neal and quarterback Andre Frazier, Bok averages 37 points per game. Virtually all of its games have been blowouts decided by 20 points or more.
West Catholic does pose a threat to Bok, though. The Burrs' only losses came in close games to La Salle and Archbishop Wood. And, like Bok, West Catholic knows how to shut teams out. The Burrs beat Kennedy Kenrick, 62-0, and Cardinal Dougherty, 44-0, earlier in the season.
At 4, Simon Gratz (7-4) will take on Archbishop Wood (9-2) in the District 12 class AAA final at Northeast.
The Gratz Bulldogs are accustomed to winning close, low-scoring games, including last week's battle with Dobbins, when Gratz prevailed with an 8-2 win to advance.
When the Bulldogs have been successful, their defense has stepped up, allowing only 14 points or fewer in each of their seven wins. Their offense has complemented their defense, posting an average of 25 points per game.
They will have to come out strong to defeat Archbishop Wood. After going 0-2 to start the season, the Vikings have won nine in a row, including a decisive 21-7 win last week over North Catholic.
The Vikings know how to win big as well. They have recorded two shutouts, and their opponents have scored a touchdown or less in seven of Wood's nine wins.
As it is a road game for both teams, Archbishop Wood has a decisive advantage. The Vikings are 6-1 on the road this season, while the Bulldogs didn't record their first road win until last week to make their road record 1-3.
At 7, expect a high scoring game as Downingtown East (9-2) takes on Penncrest (8-3) in the District 1 Class AAAA quarterfinals at Downingtown West.
It is fitting that the game is at Downingtown West. Both the Penncrest Lions and the East Cougars share a common loss to Downingtown West earlier this season. For both teams, losses came few and far between.
Led by sophomore running back Drew Harris, Downingtown East is averaging 37 points per game. In each of their nine wins, the Cougars have put up at least 22 points.
Like Downingtown East, Penncrest's offense is potent. In each of their wins, the Lions have put more than 30 points on the board - and more than 40 in seven of eight wins.
Although both defenses have the capability to stop offenses - each recording one shutout - they allow their share of points as well. Penncrest's defense gave up 54 points in a win over Springfield earlier this year, and Downingtown East's defense gave up 40 points in a loss to Wilson-Reading. Whichever team scores last is likely to win this shoot-out.
