South Jersey Non-Public 2 Final at a glance
Holy Spirit (9-2) vs. Mater Dei (11-0) Saturday, 1 p.m., at Kean Mater Dei: This is the Seraphs' first appearance in the finals.
Holy Spirit (9-2) vs. Mater Dei (11-0)
Saturday, 1 p.m., at Kean
Mater Dei: This is the Seraphs' first appearance in the finals.
Holy Spirit: This is the Spartans' 16th appearance in the finals. The Spartans have won nine crowns: two state titles in Non-Public 3 (2007, 2010), two state titles in Non-Public 2 (2011, 2012) and five Parochial A sectional titles (1975, 1978, 1987, 1988, 1990).
Coaches: Mater Dei's Dino Mangiero is 11-0 in his first season. Holy Spirit's A.J. Russo is 13-8 in his second season.
Mater Dei key players: Junior quarterback George Pearson is 68-for-120 passing for 1,212 yards and 25 TDs and also has run for 389 yards. Senior running back Marvin Pierre has 15 touchdowns. Senior all-purpose Eddie Lewis has caught 22 passes for 472 yards and has 13 touchdowns. Senior two-way lineman Shane Mastro leads the front lines.
Holy Spirit key players: Senior running back Reggie Jean-Charles has 1,583 yards and 17 touchdowns on 193 carries. Senior running back Justin Figueroa has 725 yards and 10 touchdowns on 86 carries. Junior quarterback Mike Costabile is 56-for-96 passing for 698 yards and six touchdowns. Senior kicker Cade Antonucci is 29 for 33 on extra points and 6 for 9 on field-goal attempts.
Fast fact: Holy Spirit has to travel 104 miles to play this game. Mater Dei has to travel 29 miles.
Pick: Mater Dei, 19-17.
- Phil Anastasia