A closer look: West Catholic vs. Lancaster Catholic
West Catholic is a win away from reaching the PIAA Class AA state final for the third time in the last four football seasons.
West Catholic is a win away from reaching the PIAA Class AA state final for the third time in the last four football seasons.
Standing in the way is a Lancaster Catholic squad that ousted the Burrs, 23-21, in a 2009 semifinal. Here is a closer look at Saturday's semifinal, set for noon at Coatesville's Red Raider Stadium.
Records. After starting 0-3, West Catholic is 10-3. Lancaster Catholic, the District 3 champ, is 14-0.
At stake. A berth in the final against the winner of Saturday's semifinal between District 6's Tyrone and District 7's Aliquippa.
Quick fact. West Catholic and Lancaster Catholic also met in a 2008 semifinal, with the Burrs winning, 37-14, at Northeast.
One-two punch. Lancaster Catholic's multiple/spread attack is headed by running backs Roman Clay (138 carries for 1,591 yards, 30 touchdowns) and Brandon Hollister (158 for 1,441, 24).
Signal-caller. Lancaster Catholic quarterback Andrew Dzurik has hit on 90 of 140 throws for 1,756 yards and 19 touchdowns, with just three interceptions.
Dominant so far. The Crusaders have outscored foes by a combined 628-189.
Major force. Adam DePietro, a 6-foot-4, 280-pound senior and two-way tackle for Lancaster Catholic, has committed to play at Northwestern. He is projected to be an offensive tackle in college.
Go-to back. For West Catholic, junior tailback David Williams has carried 282 times for 1,877 yards and 17 touchdowns.
Stingy. West's defense has yielded an average of 12.2 points. The anchors are linebackers Tristin Freeman and T-J Waters, linemen Jarryd Jones-Smith and Devante Ford, and safety Kevin Malone.
Analysis. If the Burrs don't get bogged down by penalties or turnovers, they can book another trip to Chocolatetown.
Pick. West Catholic, 26-20.