District 12 Playoff Preview
Tagged under: District 12, News, pfn, Playoffs
Anthony Franklin | November 1, 2024
District 12 Playoffs Preview
6A Public League
#4 George Washington @ #1 Imhotep (Germantown Supersite): Saturday 12pm
Imhotep hasn’t lost an Public League playoff game since 2011 when they lost to Bok 22-19 in the Public League finals. They’ll host George Washinton in a semi-final game for a chance at their first 6A public league title. Tep is led by Penn State commit RB Jabree Coleman-Wallace. Due to Tep’s dominance on paper his stats are short of his stellar junior season but look for Tep to lean on their star in this game. Thus far Jabree has rushed for 696 yards & 8 TDs along with a receiving touchdown this season. Sophomore Joey Mcleish in his first season as the starter has thrown for 1583 yards & 22 touchdowns. Junior RB Syeer Coleman has 380 rushing yards along with 5 touchdowns along with a receiving touchdown. Leading the receiving corps are Sophomore Kareem Haqq (21/422/3), Sr. Isaiah Prater (29/483/8) and Jr. Zaire Pollard (24/355/4).
George Washington enters the game on a 3 game winning streak and back to back dominating performances against Central High. Led by Sr. Athlete Pat Wright. So. Jakari Stevenson & Sr. WR Jamar Coleman, the Eagles are a high scoring offense and physical on defense. Sr. Tyson Scott leads the team with just under 1000 all-purpose yards. The Eagles are built to run the ball behind a physical offensive line and have a trio of capable backs to take it to the house at any given time.
Outlook: The Eagles have had a great season at 6-3 (One loss via forfeit) and advance for the second season in a row to the 6A semi-finals. Last season they fell just short to Northeast after holding an early lead. Imhotep has experience on the defensive side of the ball in big games. Tep has rolled through their city competition this season and this week will not be any different although I expect GW to compete all 4 quarters. Tep 40-6
#3 Northeast v #2 Lincoln (Northeast Supersite): Friday 3pm
Northeast earned a big win over South Philly last weekend while Lincoln blew past Fels in a shortened game due to injury. These two teams met earlier this season and a close 1st quarter turned into a blowout win for Lincoln. Northeast with a first year HC and many new starters will look to avenge that loss earlier this season by relying on a strong running game and uptempo offense that looks to pass the ball to their outside threats. Defensively the Vikings are strong on the defensive line applying pressure to opposing quarterbacks. RB Deshawn Woodhouse, QB Lamont Brown, RB Brandon Alexander, Lineman Justin Wilson & DB Laben Jowers.
Lincoln stormed past Fels in a shortened game fairly easily behind the strong offensive performance of their stars QB Jordan Mahir, RB David Akpuru, WR/DB Ziyyon Bredell (Syracuse), & DB Dyrell Steele. In the previous matchup Jodan accounted for 6 overall touchdowns in the win. With a title game appearance on the line Lincoln will look to sustain long drives wearing down the Vikings defense. Lincoln has won the last 3 games over the Vikings by a combined score of 106-20.
Outlook: Generally it’s hard to beat a team twice in one season especially when the rematch is in the playoffs. Northeast has improved since the Lincoln game offensively and defensively which gives them a fighting chance. Lincoln on the flip side has also tightened up defensively since their last game and have played a daunted schedule which should aid them in what should be a more competitive game. Lincoln 34-20.
6A Catholic League Finals
#1 La Salle College v #2 St. Joes Prep (11/9 Saturday 1pm @Wissahickon HS)
The top 2 teams in Pennsylvania will battle once again this season with a berth in the District 12 playoffs on the line. This game serves as the CL 6A final and the last time La Salle has won the CL title was in 2015 when they upset Prep. La Salle led by star Jr. QB Gavin Sidwar (2487 passing yards & 29 TDS) has an offense that puts points up in a hurry. The running attack is paced by Jr. RB Desmond Ortiz (403 yards & 7 total TDS) and So. RB Joshua Simmons (290 yards & 7 total TDs). Jr. WR Joey O’Brien (Notre Dame commit) leads the team in receptions (62), yards (903) & TDs (10). Defensively the Explorers are led by Sr. LB Dylan Clair who leads the team in tackles (59) and sacks (4.5). Also pacing the defense is Sr. LB Jack Leuthe who leads the team in interceptions with 2.
Prep enters the contest looking for it’s 9thconsecutive CL championship and are led offensively by So. Charlie Foulke who has passed for 1573 yards & 19 touchdowns. His main target is Freshman phenom WR Jett Harrison who has 29 receptions for 572 yards & 6 touchdowns. Sr. WR Alijah Turner (28/321/3) and Sr. WR Jamir Rowe (16/187/6). Sr. RB Khyan Billups leads the rushing attack (84/457/5) & Sr. RB Will Vokolos (25/230/4). Defensively Sr. LB Cam Smith (Penn State) leads the team in tackles with 43 tackles, 5 sacks & 13 tackles for losses. Sr. LB Anthony Sacca (Notre Dame) has 41 tackles 1 forced fumble, 3.5 sacks & 5 passes defended.
Outlook: This game will be standing room only capacity and be another classic Catholic League battle between both powerhouses. Prep will be without their star RB Isaiah West (Ohio State) who is out with injury and possibly stud DL Maxwell Roy (Ohio State) who is also injured. La Salle will probably be without stud WR Jullian McFadden (Syracuse) who is also injured. Prep in the first game this season against La Salle was able to move the ball putting up over 300 yards of total offense and outgained La Salle in total yardage. Both teams have played tough out of league competition and are more than battle tested. The slight edge in this game goes to the more experienced Explorers who are hungry to end the Prep run at the top. La Salle 30 SJ Prep 27
5A Public League Finals
#1 Mastery Charter North v #2 Frankford (Saturday 12pm @Germantown Supersite)
Mastery Charter North enters this contest at 2-7 but seeded higher due to being in the higher division. Mastery has struggled this season finding consistency on offense. The Pumas were held to 16 points or less in all of their defeats. Outside of their 60-28 win over Olney they failed to score over 20 points all season in any contest. Mastery is still in search of their first Public League Championship in school history (Program began in 2011).
Frankford is enjoying a bounce back season in which have a 8-1 record having won 8 straight games. The Pioneers opened the season on the road with a 43-20 loss to District 1 Council Rock South and then have ran off 8 consecutive wins. They’ve won in a variety of ways including close 1 score games, 20 points victories, double digit wins and a walk-off win over Palumbo. Frankford is looking for their first Public League championship since 2013.
Outlook: While Mastery has struggled this season, they’ve played a tough schedule with the likes of George Washington, Belmont, Boys Latin, Central & West Philadelphia. Frankford playing in a lower division has done what they needed which is win with stout defense and timely offense. This game ultimately comes down to which team makes the least number of mistakes and who comes up with the big play offensively. Based on this season body of work I trust Frankford in that situation and will take Frankford in a tight game that may come down to the final minute of regulation. Frankford 6-0.
5A Catholic League Finals
#1 Roman Catholic v #2 Father Judge (Saturday 4pm)
This game will serve as a rematch to an earlier regular season CL Red Division game in which Roman outlasted Judge by a score of 54-24. In that game Roman dominated on the ground with Jeremiah Tabb rushing for 93 yards & 1 TD while Jr. QB Semaj Beals threw for 369 yards & 5 TDs. Defensively they snagged 2 interceptions on the evening. Semaj enters this game having thrown for just under 2800 yards & 33 touchdowns while also rushing for an additional 5 scores on the ground. Leading their deep & talented receiving corps are Sr. Rayshawn Scott (46/931/10 total TDs), Jr. Eyan Stead (36/697/8 TDs), Sr. Eisa Nealy (30/366/6 TDs) and Sr. Zamir Newsuan (19/278/2 TDs). Defensively ballhawk Sr. DB Christian Palmer (Monmouth) leads the team in interceptions (4) while Sr. DL Lazyarus Toombs (4 sacks) & Sr. LB Walter Hudson share the team lead in tackles with 54.
Judge despite their 3-7 overall record however will not be an easy out for Roman. In their game with La Salle a few weeks ago the Crusaders got 210 passing yards and a TD from QB Sean Long. Sean’s favorite targets this year have been Gavin Hutz (30/282/4TDs), Derrick Kennedy (20/253/7 total TDs), David Holland (17/284/4TDs) and Christian Haigh (16/192). QB Sean Long suffered an injury a couple weeks ago and may not be available which means Freshman QB Jackson Zetick would be pressed into action.
Outlook: Judge with Sean Long under center has a chance to make this game interesting as he is a dual threat QB. With a freshman things may not fare so well as Roman is battle tested and looks to be getting healthy at the right time. Roman has the depth, experience & stars to win this game comfortably. Roman 38-7.
4A Public League Playoffs
#1 West Philadelphia v #4 Boys Latin (Saturday 12pm @South Philly Supersite)
West Philadelphia the Liberty Division champions will look to capture their first Public League championship in quite some time when they host neighboring Boys Latin. The Speedboys are5-4 this season having played quality competition in non-league play against Father Judge, Chester & Manheim Central in addition to their tough league schedule. Led by Sr. RB Zafir Cleveland (over 1000 all purpose yards) the Speedboys are a run heavy team. When they do put the ball in the air it’s led by Jr. QB Xavier Howard who has 4 TD passes on the season. Xavier is also a dual threat as he has 417 rushing yards & 1 rushing score on the ground. His top target is So. Naeem Armstead who has 8 receptions for 189 yards and two touchdowns this season.
Boys Latin in search of the programs first Public League championship enters the contest with a 2-7 record but a strong strength of schedule as Head Coach Marcus Fulton scheduled Northeast, William Penn Charter & Frankford as non-league opponents. While they dropped all 3 contests, they were competitive against the two public league opponents. Boys Latin in the earlier season game against the Speedboys were highly competitive before just falling short 12-6. Outside of their wins over Central & Olney the Warriors have struggled offensively only scoring in double digits in 3 of their games this season.
Outlook: With both schools being division mates for the last few years they are quite familiar with one another. Also taking into consideration it’s a neighborhood rivalry, look for this game to be highly physical with the spectators at near capacity. I’ll take the Speedboys in a tight battle 18-16.
4A Catholic League Semi-Finals
#1 Bonner-Prendie v #4 Archbishop Wood (Friday 5pm)
Bonner enters the game at 7-2 with quality wins over Roman Catholic, O’Hara & Ryan. Offensively the Friars are led by Sr. RB Mick Johnson who has rushed for 650 yards & 15 touchdowns. His fellow backfield mate Sr. Saleem Frink as added 423 yards on the ground to go along with 3 touchdowns. Junior QB Noel Campbell has thrown for 1605 yards & 4 scores. Sr. WR/DE Jalil Hall (West Virginia) leads the Friars in receptions, yards & touchdowns with 31 receptions, 564 yards & 7 TD catches. Jalil also has a rumble return for a score as well as a rushing touchdown. Jr. WR Jeremiah Coleman has impressed this season recording 29 receptions for 536 yards & 4 scores. Defensively CJ Amobi leads the team in tackles (40) and sacks (5).
Archbishop Wood enters the contest with a 2-7 record with their wins coming over Carroll (20-14) and West Catholic (41-20). The Vikings last week did show signs of improving as they challenged Conwell-Egan down to the wire before falling by a narrow score of 14-13. Leading the Vikings offensively are Sr. RB Yasin Lowry who has amassed a city leading 1204 rushing yards this season to go along with his 12 touchdowns. Defensively they’re led by LB Kevon Griffin (53 tackles) and Sr. DB David Diehl (35 tackles & 3 interceptions).
Outlook: Bonner has been a team on a mission to finally break through and compete for a state championship. Their confidence is high with them having a big win over Roman this season and being able to hold their own against the #1 team in the state La Salle for part of their divisional matchup finishing the regular season with a 6-2 record. Wood is rebuilding what has traditionally been a powerhouse program with a new coaching staff and will not lay down. Bonner is more experienced, has more depth and will ultimately wear down Wood for a solid victory. Bonner 32-12
#3 Archbishop Ryan @ #2 Cardinal O’Hara
Ryan finished with a 6-3 record including an early 18-13 loss to Cardinal O’Hara. They however have impressive wins over Father Judge, Lansdale and Egan. Offensively they are led by a trio of players starting with QB Frankie Mawson (1112 passing yards & 17 touchdowns with 7 rushing TDs, RB Christon Mitchell-Brown (114 carries, 711 yards & 5 TDs), WR Damien Morgan (625 yards & 10 total TDs) and David Spinelli (205 receiving yards & 4 TDs). Defensively the Raiders are led by Austin Lyons (66 tackles, 1.5 sacks) & Christon Mitchell-Brown (45 tackles, 1 FF & 12 tackles for loss).
Cardinal O’Hara continues to rise up the CL rankings with what is now a veteran team. HC Mike Ewing in his second season as the leader of the Lions got them to a 5-5 record with playing a tough league schedule. Their wins include an early season victory over this same Ryan team, along with wins over Archbishop Wood, ChiChester, St. Andrew’s (Canada) & Father Judge. Leading them offensively is Jr. QB John Welde who has passed for 1524 yards & 12 TDs thus far this season. RB Amahj Gowans has 361 rushing yards with 5 scores on the ground to go with an additional 193 receiving yards. Sr. WR/DB Khalil Epps leads the team in receiving yards with 378 to go with his 7 TD catches. He also leads the team, league and city in interceptions with 7. John Brown has racked up 79 tackles, 2 interceptions, 2 forced fumbles and 2 sacks for the Lions on defense.
Outlook: Both teams have improved since the first meeting and therefore look for this to once again be a tightly contested game. Both teams have proven quarterbacks who have big game experience. O’Hara may have the slight edge but honestly this game is a toss-up. O’Hara 24 Ryan 21.
3A Public League Finals
#1 Simon Gratz v #2 HS of the Future (Saturday 3:30pm @Northeast Supersite)
The Simon Gratz Bulldogs have put together quite an impressive season. They mixed their non-league schedule with an Public League rival (Mastery North), an catholic league program (Archbishop Carroll) and an out of district team (Executive Education Academy). In their league losses they lost to Northeast (27-20), Lincoln (21-20) and Imhotep (36-7). Led by a tempo based offense with dynamic athletes RB Tray Parsons, QB Quimae Jones, So. Hyneef Thomas & Sr. Athlete Rahmaj Johnson the Bulldogs can put points up quickly and consistently. Defensively they’re sound as well led by Sr. DL Keair Ingram, Sr. LB Tymir Savage-Townsend, Jr. Issiah Dawson & Jr. Jaylen Simpson.
HS of the Future enters the contest with a 4-6 record and 3 of those losses came by less than 7 points. The Firebirds average close to 18 points per game while defensively they give up 10 points per game.
Outlook: Simon Gratz is battle tested having played the top 3 teams in the Public League losing to Northeast and Lincoln by a total of 8 points. They also played Imhotep fairly tough. They have a handful of highly skilled athletes that play multiple positions and with their up-tempo offense along with a beefy physical offensive line they wear opponents down and impose their will against them. Gratz marches onto the D12 Final with a big 38-6 win.
CL 3A Finals
#2 Neumann Goretti @ #1 Conwell Egan Friday 5pm
Neumann Goretti started the season losing their first 3 games. They’d turn it around by winning 4 of their final 6 games to finish the regular season 4-6. They lost the regular season matchup to Egan 14-0 in a game where they were held to under 80 yards of total offense. On the season the leading rusher for the Saints are Kyreese Bradley who has 405 yards on the ground as well as 3 touchdowns. Sr. QB Deante Ruffin (Kent State) is the field general who has 925 yards and 3 TDs while also rushing for 221 yards & 12 scores on the ground. The leading receiver for the Saints is stud Jr. TE Bashir Carter (19/285) while Sr. Wydeek Colier is right behind him with 11 receptions and 273 receiving yards. Kyreese also is the defensive leader in tackles (56). Sr. Daniel Adefolarin (Army) leads the team in sacks with 4.5.
Egan at 6-3 is riding a 4 game winning streak into this matchup. In the regular season they upended the Saints behind their two stud backs. Leading the offense is RB Monty Zoryea who has 673 yards and 8 TDs while his backfield mate Sincere Fairley has 399 yards on the ground and 6 scores. Receiver Chris Tombs has 297 receiving yards and 5 touchdowns. Defensively Brian Shimp (51 tackles and 7 sacks) along with Jaeden Thenor (3 interceptions).
Outlook: Both teams are fairly even across the board and are very familiar with one another. Neither team has a strong passing game however Egan has had more success in the air and has the slight edge. Egan 18-12.
District 12 2A Championship
Lansdale v Kipp DuBois (Saturday 12pm @South Philly Supersite)
Lansdale enters the game with a 6-4 record. Amongst their wins were victories over HS of the Future, Egan and Wood who all are teams in the playoffs. RB Nick O’Brien has 512 rushing yards and 3 touchdowns on the ground. Sr QB Yeaboa Cobbold is a dual threat with 454 yards and 7 scores on the ground and an additional 5 touchdown passes. WR James Webb leads the team in receiving yards (217) and interceptions (3).
Kipp enters the game very well prepared having played a stiff schedule against 3A and 4A competition within division play. Kipp finished the regular season 7-3 and the Public League 2A champions. Offensively they are very balanced as Jr. QB Nafis Owens has thrown for over 900 yards and 11 scores while running for an additional 100 yard and 2 touchdowns. Other offensive stars are Sr. RB Samir White (578 yards & 6 TDs) and So. Wr Amear Miller (506 yards & 9 total TD’s).
Outlook: Kipp with such a balanced offense is a team that could potentially make a run in the state playoffs however Lansdale is a veteran team with experience in big games. Lansdale 38 Kipp 24.
Follow PA Football News on Twitter @PaFootballNews
