Non-Public 1 final preview

State Non-Public Group 1 FinalSt. Joseph (10-1) vs. St. Mary (9-2)

Saturday, 1 p.m. at the College of New Jersey

Previous titles: St. Joseph, 22 (1977, 1983, 1985, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1996, 1997, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012); St. Mary, three (1976, 1980, 2006).

Coaches: Paul Sacco, St. Joseph (32d season, 276-56-5); Mike Sheridan, St. Mary (28th season, record not available).

How St. Joseph can win: St. Joseph is an overwhelming favorite. The Wildcats are stacked with weapons all over the field on both sides of the ball and simply need to stick to what they've done all season. QB Salaam Horne is a major dual threat. His twin, RB A'Laam Horne (60 carries, 676 yards), is an electric runner, and fellow back C.J. LaFragola (129 carries, 1,094 yards) provides the thunder.

How St. Mary can win: St. Mary's biggest hope might be divine intervention. But the Gaels feature a tough runner in Keon White (120 carries, 1,088 yards). Their defense has not allowed a point in two playoff games and has posted shutouts in four of their last five overall.

Fast fact: These teams met in the previous three Non-Public Group 1 title games. St. Joseph outscored St. Mary by 127-0 in that span.

- Chris Melchiorre