(1)BISHOP SHANAHAN HM PFN hosts (2) POTTSGROVE for the District 1 4A Championship

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Marcus Sic | November 12, 2021

The Bishop Shanahan Eagles will host the Falcons of Pottsgrove High School for the District 1 4A Championship, a rematch of the 2019 District 1 semifinal game won by the Eagles 56-24. Bishop Shanahan, from the powerful National division of the ChesMont league, is coming off back to back wins over the Del Val Co-Champions Chichester Eagles. Pottsgrove got into the playoffs with a last second victory over 6A power Spring-Ford, then defeated Upper Moreland to advance to the District final. The Eagles feature a spread offense led by Senior Quarterback Cooper Jordan, while Pottsgrove has traditionally been a ground and pound offense, this year Quarterback Ryan Sisko has added 900 yards through the air. Both teams feature stingy, hard hitting defenses, that have created a slew of turnovers. The game may well decided by which team creates the most turnovers.
Bishop Shanahan, the number 1 seed, comes in at 8-3, Pottsgrove, the number 2 seed have a record of 8-2.

Pottsgrove has been in playoff mode since losing a lopsided game with Pope John Paul II in week eight of the season, knowing their next lose would send them home for the season. The Falcon’s eight Seniors still have a bitter taste in their mouths from the last time they played the Eagles at Jack Mancini Stadium, Jordan threw all over their defense, while running back Brandon Choi ran for 3 TDs. Lead by Sisko at QB, they are pinning their hopes on SR. linemen Jacob Spadt and Alex Deglar, along with FB Max Neeson, to open some holes in Shanahan’s stout defensive line for the Falcons leading rusher Amir Brunson. When on defense Neeson at middle linebacker is the anchor, along with defensive tackle Mark White, they will need to contain Jordan and Choi. Pottsgrove has a dependable strong leg in kicker/punter Landon Shivak, who has scored 40 points this year.

Paul Myer’s Eagles will come into the game with an amazing 26 Seniors, most of whom saw action in the 2019 playoff game. Shanahan’s loses have come to Coatesville and Downingtown who will be playing tonight in the 6A playoffs, and a last second loss to 2019 6A District 1 Champions Downingtown West. Fortunately for the Eagles, they will be as healthy as they have been since week of 4 the season. Standout LB/RB Brandon Choi seems to be at full power, along with several linemen who have missed some games because of injury. Jordan’s favorite target Colin McGrory has been unstoppable both through the air and on the ground, Choi has been barreling over defenses, while Evan Kapczynski and Simmi Whitehead have combined for over 700 yards through the air. Jordan himself has accounted for a mind blowing 34 touchdowns. Shanahan’s real strength maybe their smothering defense, which has given up under 9 points a game. With Choi back at full strength at linebacker, Pottsgrove will have a difficult time piercing the Eagles D.

The winner of tonight’s tilt will take of the Philadelphia City Champions next week.

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