District 12 4A Playoff Preview
Tagged under: District 12, News, pfn, Playoffs
Anthony Franklin | November 3, 2023
Both the Public & Catholic Leagues will crown District 12 4A champions in their leagues this weekend. In the Public League John Bartram High & the HS of the Future battle it out for the PL title Saturday at noon at Bartram Stadium, while Bonner & Cardinal O’Hara will duke it out for the CL title Friday at 5pm at Bonner HS.
#1 John Bartram:
The Braves enter the contest at 7-3 coming off a 64-14 trouncing win over Overbrook in the opening round of the playoffs. They are led by Sr. Ath Jah-mi Hargove who is the primary ball carrier while Semaj Robinson handles QB1 duties. Also staring for the Braves on offense is WR Haleem Butler. The Braves average 25 points per game while only giving up just over 11 points per game.
#4 HS of the Future:
The Firebirds are coming off an upset walk off win over Boys Latin HS to appear in their first Public League 4A championship game. Under HC David Hand they are 5-3 with wins over 3 teams that made the playoffs in Boys Latin, Kensington & Benjamin Franklin. They aren’t new to playing in big time games as they played George Washington down to the wire in a narrow 21-18 defeat for the division title so they’re prepared for the big moment heading into this showdown. Offensively they’re averaging just under 17 points per game while defensively they’re giving up just over 13 points per game.
The Philadelphia Catholic League 4A Championship will be played Friday at 5pm as the defending champions Bonner-Prendie will host Cardinal O’Hara for the right to represent the CL in the District 12 City Championship game. Both teams met earlier this season with Bonner escaping with a 13-6 victory.
Bonner-Prendie (7-2):
The Friars enter this game on a 3-game winning streak after their narrow CL Blue divisional loss to Neumann Goretti. Offensively they’ve relied on a trio of rushers in Sr. Avery Hankey (786, 5 TDs), Sr. Isaiah Session (324 yards, 7 TDs) & Mick Johnson (375 yards 2 TDs). In the passing game they utilize both freshmen quarterbacks in Kenjai Gatling (619 yards 7 TDs) & Noel Campbell (213 yards & 6 TDs). Offensively the Friars average 20 points per game while giving up 12 points per game defensively. Both teams played earlier this season so there is familiarity there which result in yet another close game.
Cardinal O’Hara (7-3):
The Lions are entering this game high on confidence after a high scoring last second victory over Lansdale Catholic securing their berth in this CL 4A championship game. The Lions are led offensively by So. QB John Welde (924 yards 9 TDs), Sr. RB Keon Powell (924 yards 10 TDs), Jr. WR Khalil Epps (306 yards 3 TDs) & Jr. WR Logan Maloney (266 yards, 4 TDs). The Lions are enjoying their best season since the 2018 campaign under 2nd year HC Mike Ewing. The offense has improved drastically since last year averaging 18 points per game compared to last year’s team that averaged 8 points per game. Defensively they’ve buckled down as well giving up 17 points per game compared to last year giving up 32 points per game.
Key Players to watch for:
John Bartram:
Sr. Athlete Jah-mi Hargrove
So. QB Samad Robinson
Sr. WR Haleem Butler
Sr. OL Stephon Mallery-Custis
HS of Future:
Sr. WR Mawell Kai
Jr. RB/LB Sahkei Patrick
Sr. QB Davon Dillard
Sr. OL Mamadou Koita
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