PIAA District 1 Playoff Preview: 4A Round 2

Tagged under: District 1, News, pfn, Playoffs

Michael Pietrangelo | November 9, 2023

This article was written by: Dylan Johnson 

Scott Reed’s Pope John Paul II  Trojans come into the District 1 4A tournament as an overwhelming favorite, after taking down 6A powerhouse Spring-Ford in the Pioneer Athletic Conference’s title game. During the regular season, PJPII has already handily defeated both Pottstown and Pottsville. Bishop Shanahan, out of the tough ChesMont National division, led by Coach Paul Myers, could give PJPII a run for their money if they make it to the title game.

The Matchup

#2 Bishop Shanahan Eagles @ #1 Pope John Paul II Panthers

#1 Pope John Paul II Panthers (11-0)

Pope John Paul II (PJP) enters the title game with a perfect 11-0 on the season. They sit third in PFN’s 4A state rankings. The Panthers have dominated opponents outscoring them 381-101. Last year PJP was in the same position they are now, in the District One 4A title game. The outcome was not what they wanted. They lost to the Abu Kamara-led Interboro Buccaneers 38-14. PJP is no stranger to Bishop Shannahan, as they defeated them 38-6 in the regular season. PJP is a run-dominant school with 245 rushes compared to 145 pass attempts and 99 completions. Their run offense has totaled 1935 yards with 31 rushing touchdowns. Boyd Skarbek highlights the backfield with 182 carries for 1564 yards and 24 touchdowns. A combination of running and lights out defense is all PJP needs to put this one away.

#2 Bishop Shanahan Eagles (6-5)

The Bishop Shannahan Eagles come in at 6-5 on the season. They enter the title game coming over a huge rally to beat Pottsgrove 29-28. The victory came on a two-point conversion attempt. Quarterback Zach Ferraro tucked the ball and scrambled into the endzone with 47 seconds left. Running back Pat Gallagher is their weapon out of the backfield. Just like their opponent, the Eagles can run the ball too. In their five losses the key missing piece is the defense. In those five games their opponets hung 191 points on the Eagles. If they want to take an upset and a title home, they need to stop the run. If the gameplan goes according to plan the Eagles can pull out the upset.

The game is set to kickoff at Pope John Paul II High School on Nov. 11 at 1 p.m.

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