District One 4A Playoff Preview

Tagged under: District 1, News, Playoffs

Marcus Sic | November 3, 2022

DISTRICT ONE 4A SEMIFINALS

District 1s 4A playoffs kickoff this week with the District semifinals with last year’s District Champs the Bishop Shanahan Eagles visiting the number 1 seed Buccaneers of Interboro, while the Spartans of Springfield Township will travel to number one seed Pope John Paul II to take on PFN’s #9 team in the state Golden Panthers. Last year Shanahan made an epic run to the state semifinals, the Eagles graduated 28 seniors and have an injury riddled season, nonetheless the could prove dangerous in the post season. Interboro is led by second year coach Dennis Lux, who has returned the Buc’s traditional DELCO tough attitude to his team. PJP II’s first year coach Scott Reed is no stranger to the post season, Reed the long time Perk Valley coach, returned to the coaching ranks to lead the Golden Panthers to the Frontier Division championship of the PAC 10 league. The Spartans of Springfield Township round out the District 1 4A squads. The Spartans from the Suburban One League are coming off a 5-4 regular season.

#4 Bishop Shanahan at #1 Interboro

Defending District champions Bishop Shanahan will travel to the heart of DELCO to take on the #1 seed Bucs of Interboro, who boast of one of the best players in Pennsylvania Abu Kamara. Kamara has rushed for 2,205 yards while hauling in 11 receptions for 151 yards, he is also the key to Interboro’s defense as the Bucs strong safety. The Bucs 8-2, with only losses to 5A powers Strath Haven and Chester, are on a six game winning streak, are put together to make a deep playoff run.  Interboro’s head coach Dennis Lux will bring a strong running game that is based in smashmouth, between the tackles power game. While the Bucs will throw in an occasional pass, its offense’s success will depend on the Oline being able to open up holes for Kamara. If given a seem, Kamara will quickly be in the Eagles secondary. The Eagles coach Paul Myers has done a fantastic job patching together a squad that has been beset by injuries. Going 0-4 in the rugged big school Ches Mont, Shanahan was able to rally and go 4-1 in their nonleague games, often facing 6A and 5A teams.

The game will come down to Interboro’s ground and pound, clock controlling offense and the Eagles quick hit spread offense.

#3 Springfield Township at #1 Pope John Paul II

The Scott Reed era at PJPII begins its first post season journey against the visiting Spartans of Springfield Township. Reed who took over the Golden Panthers after a couple of years respite, has PJPII primed for a deep playoff run, after a successful 9-1 season. Luke Terlesky will pull the trigger on the PJPII offense, throwing for 1,745 yards and 15 touchdowns. Running back Boyd Skarbek has rushed for just under 1,000 yards, he has also hauled in 18 catches for 258 yard, he has scored 19 TDs. Terlesky will have multiple targets to throw the ball to including Braden Reed , 42 reception/702 yards/6 TDs and Brent Mitala, 37 catches/490 yards/ 6 TDs. The Golden Panthers defense is anchored by linebacker Ryan Lamson and cornerback Chris Lucci. The Spartans of Springfield are led by coach Chris Shelly. They finished 5-4 in the tough Suburban One League. The Spartans average 25 points a game while giving up 20 a game. PJPII’s wide open offense could cause problems for the Spartans, who will need to control the ball on offense to keep the Golden Panthers offense on the sidelines.

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