The Wildcats mustered a terrific first-half showing against heavily favored West Catholic, entered the locker room with a touchdown advantage, and the buzz at the South Philly Super Site centered on a possible upset.

But the Burrs righted themselves over the last 24 minutes, posted a 21-7 victory over worn-down Bok at 10th and Bigler Streets, and emerged with their second consecutive PIAA District 1-12 Class AA subregional championship.

"It was a hard-fought football game," DeFelice said. "We just ran out of some firepower down the stretch."

West Catholic moves on to the first round of the state playoffs. The Burrs, in their attempt to make it back to Hershey, will take on District 2 champion Dunmore next weekend, with the site and time to be determined.

Bok held Brian Fluck's squad to 21 yards rushing and 82 passing before the break.

"We knew we had players who could play with them," DeFelice said. "We were just hoping that our kids could keep up that intensity."

In the second quarter, Bok quarterback Andre Frazier delivered a 24-yard scoring strike to Gary Jackson to give the previously undefeated Wildcats (11-1) a 7-0 advantage and a huge confidence boost.

Bok limited Brandon Hollomon, West's quick-footed junior tailback, to 17 yards on seven carries in the first half. The Public League champion forced three punts and twice stopped the Burrs (9-2) on fourth down.

Just before intermission, Jarred Evans completed four straight passes and scrambled for a 21-yard gain to help West Catholic move from its own 20-yard line to Bok's 6. From there, there was the following sequence: Holloman carry for no gain; sack of Evans for an 11-yard loss; Evans pass to Quran Kent for no gain and a sack of Evans again for a 10-yard loss.

The first sack of Evans was registered by end Chris Sherrod. Then, on fourth and goal from the 17, middle guard Kevin Thompson corralled Evans to end the scoring threat.

"Bok was playing very well, controlling the line of scrimmage," Fluck said. "At halftime, we told the seniors, 'Hey, this is your last shot.' The seniors rallied together and got the other guys to refocus."

In the third quarter, following Bok's missed 37-yard field-goal, the Burrs mustered a 10-play, 80-yard scoring drive. It was capped by Hollomon's 26-yard, right-side scoring burst.

The wheels began to fall off on the Wildcats when, early in the fourth quarter, a Frazier pass was deflected by end Jim Lynch and hauled in by West Catholic linebacker Dante Dickens at the Bok 46-yard line. "Our guy was open on that play, too," DeFelice said.

From there, Hollomon (29 carries for 177 yards) and company reached pay dirt in nine plays with Evans (13-for-17 passing, 119 yards) sneaking in from the 2. Holloman's second TD of the afternoon, a 5-yard dart off left tackle with 2:15 to play, sealed matters.

West Catholic 0 0 7 14 - 21

Bok 0 7 0 0 - 7

B: Jackson 24 pass from Frazier (Daniel kick)

WC: Hollomon 26 run (Carroll kick)

WC: Evans 2 run (Carroll kick)

WC: Hollomon 5 run (Carroll kick)

or robrien@phillynews.com.