options The showdown between bitter Catholic League Class AAAA rivals, a matchup widely billed as the regular-season game of the year, is upon us.
La Salle, ranked No. 1 in Southeastern Pennsylvania by The Inquirer, and No. 3 St. Joseph's Prep will clash at 7 p.m. Saturday at sure-to-be-packed Plymouth Whitemarsh.
The Explorers (6-0 overall, 2-0 division) have outscored opponents by a combined 199-46; the much-improved Hawks (5-0, 1-0) have won by 135-41.
This is likely the first of two battles between the powers. Most expect a rematch in the Catholic League final.
Here is a closer look at Saturday's highly anticipated game.
Last year. In a regular-season finale, La Salle, overcoming a 17-0 deficit, stunned the Prep, 28-17, before an estimated crowd of 6,000 at PW.
History. The Hawks lead the overall head-to-head series, 39-35-1. In the former Thanksgiving Day rivalry, which ended in 2005, the Explorers had a 19-10 advantage.
No slowing down. The Prep's no-huddle, spread offense is averaging 27 points. It is sparked by dual-threat quarterback Chris Martin and tailbacks Vince Moffett and Olamide Zaccheaus.
Passing fancy. La Salle is averaging 230 yards through the air. QB Chris Kane has completed 82 of 124 passes for 1,334 yards and 16 touchdowns.
Solid runner. Mostly on draw plays, the 5-foot-10, 175-pound Martin has rushed for 277 yards and four scores. "He's a tough, gutsy kid," La Salle coach Drew Gordon said.
Dangerous. The Explorers' Sean Coleman (24 catches for 467 yards, five TDs) and Jimmy Herron (21 for 348, six) are quick, do-everything types. Herron, in a wildcat formation, takes shotgun snaps.
On guard. With all the pooch-kicking the Hawks have done this season, La Salle will have its good-hands people ready.
Probable. La Salle two-way lineman Tom Spiteri is expected back after sitting out last week because of an ankle injury.
Good to go. The Prep's Dan Sherry, a strong safety and punter, returns after being sidelined with a concussion.
Key duel. Keep an eye on the tussle between the Prep's Paul Johnson, a hard-charging defensive tackle, and La Salle's guards.
Quotable. Hawks coach Gabe Infante, on La Salle two-way lineman and Navy recruit Patrick Hoffman: "He's the best kid I've seen on film. He's a mauler."
Analysis. The difference in Round 1 is the Explorers' ability to thwart the run, including Martin's up-the-middle tries, and Kane's continued throwing success.
Pick. La Salle, 24-14.
Contact Rick O'Brien at robrien@phillynews.com, or @ozoneinq on Twitter. Read his blog, "The O'Zone," at www.philly.com/ozone
Source : philly[dot]com
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