By Matt Gelb
INQUIRER STAFF WRITER
For the first time ever, a Philadelphia city league team will play for a football state championship at the highest level.
La Salle defeated Ridley, 35-7, today at a sold-out Charles Martin Memorial Stadium at Northeast High in a PIAA Class AAAA semifinal.
The Explorers will face State College High at HersheyPark Stadium next Saturday at 7 p.m. for the Class AAAA state title.
Ridley turned the ball over five times and La Salle took full advantage in the second half. After the first half ended with a 7-7 stalemate, the Explorers scored on two Drew Loughery 1-yard runs in the second half to take a commanding 21-7 lead.
La Salle scored 21 points in the fourth quarter to seal the victory.