Eric F. Epler breaks down the District 3-AAA semifinal between Lancaster Catholic and Bishop McDevitt.
HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL: DISTRICT 3-AAA SEMIFINAL
Who’s playing: Lancaster Catholic Crusaders vs. Bishop McDevitt Crusaders
Site: John H. Frederick Field, Mechanicsburg.
Kickoff: 7 p.m. Friday.
Records: No. 4 Lancaster Catholic 9-3; No. 1 Bishop McDevitt 12-0.
BY THE NUMBERS (In yards per game)
Rushing offense
LC: 248.9. BM: 212.8
Passing offense
LC: 117.0. BM: 223.6
Rushing defense
LC: 151.2. BM: 118.2
Passing defense
LC: 113.9. BM: 137.5
Video: Epler and Andrew P. Shay preview the District 3-AAA semifinal
LANCASTER CATHOLIC: Maybe it seems like an atypical season for Bruce Harbach’s crew, but figure the L-L Crusaders would face some adversity sliding up to Class AAA. Besides, dropping bouts to McDowell, Penn Manor and Wilson — all Class AAAA opponents — isn’t exactly stinking up the joint.
Remember, this is a tradition-rich outfit making its 14th district appearance, to go along with its 6 3-AA titles. That 23-7 all-time record ain’t too shabby. Nor is powerful RB Roman Clay, who has charted 2,343 of LC’s 2,987 rushing yards. Clay, Lancaster-Lebanon League’s all-time leading rusher, has 30 TDs and seems hungry for more.
Quarterback Evan Purvis inherited the position but has done all right, completing 88 of 158 attempts for 1,205 yards and 11 scores. In between is a collection of solid football players that have upheld the LC brand.
On that list is workhorse receiver Sean Titus and RB Carmelo Cruz, averaging 8 yards per tote. Titus, with 52 receptions, might be more dangerous on the defensive side of the football. The safety has swiped six of LC’s 15 interceptions on the season.
BISHOP McDEVITT: It’s funny because most believed the two-time Class AAA runner-up was heading for one, maybe two, regular-season setbacks when considering the opposition. Didn’t happen. Instead, talented signal-caller Alec Werner and his gifted backfield mates stayed perfect to wrap up the Mid-Penn Keystone crown.
After a superior stretch run, Werner leads the area with a sterling 189.87 rating. He’s completed nearly 70-percent of his 227 attempts for 2,619 yards and 20 scores. That rating is more than 15 points higher than second-ranked Stephen Sedesse of Williams Valley.
Last week, a healthy Rashad Lawson played the leading role against Conrad Weiser with 180 rushing yards, but Andre Robinson, Darnell Holland or Sheldon Snell have weighed in throughout. Werner also owes a debt of gratitude to all-state wide receiver Brian Lemelle, the state’s all-time leader in receiving yards. Lemelle needs just six grabs to own the career receptions mark, too.
Defensively, McD gets terrific work from DEs Mike Perloski and Steve Marrazzo. The tandem has helped limit opponents to 118 rushing yards per game.
ANALYSIS: It was interesting that Clay had one of his worst statistical performances last week, yet Lancaster Catholic still bypassed a tough Cocalico team (20-7) in the quarterfinals. Translation? Bishop McDevitt has to account for much more than No. 36. McD’s defense is hardly impenetrable, but a fast start and solid gains from a healthy backfield should extend LC’s playbook beyond simple handoffs to the meal ticket. Neither team can afford to be anything but sharp.
THE PICK: Bishop McDevitt 38, Lancaster Catholic 24.
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