DISTRICT 3-AA CHAMPIONSHIP
BERKS CATHOLIC AT LITTLESTOWN
6 p.m. SATURDAY, HERSHEYPARK STADIUM
RECORDS: No. 2 Berks Catholic 12-0; No. 1 Littlestown 12-0
WHY THE SANITS WILL WIN: If the second half becomes irrelevant. Berks Catholic has made a living this season of drilling opponents in the first half. The Saints have outscored the 12 teams they’ve faced 296-43 in the first half. When the first whistle blows, this crew gets busy in a hurry. Not much of a throwing team, but each of their quarterbacks is efficient and effective through the air. This offense powered by running backs Chris Warren and Pop Lacey rings up nearly 275 yards a game on the ground and nearly 380 total yards a game. In addition to holding opponents to 12.5 points a game, this defense has 33 takeaways in 12 outings.
WHY THE THUNDERBOLTS WILL WIN: Get to the second half without enough damage to overcome and go for broke. Littlestown came from down 21-7 in the second quarter against defending PIAA Class AA champion Wyomissing to stay unbeaten. The 12 victories is the most in school history. All the offensive pieces are in place for the YAIAA Division III champs with RB Dustin DeGroft, QB Trevor Hildebrand and WR Garrett Trout. Combined this trio has more than 3,000 total yards and accounts for most of the touchdowns the Thunderbolts score.
POSTSEASON SNAPSHOT: This is playoff appearance No. 21 for Littlestown. Only Cumberland Valley, Wilson and Manheim Central have more. The Thunderbolts won their only District 3-AA title in 2004 when it blanked Lancaster Catholic 14-0. Berks Catholic is making its first appearance in the championship game in its third season of existence.
SHAY SAYS: What happened last week when Littlestown (+3) fell behind by 14 points and came back to win, will not happen again this week. Once the Saints get their meat hooks into an opponent, they keep the foot on the gas and finish the job. Late heroics are part of what’s allowed the Thunderbolts to get here in undefeated fashion. If this contest is still tight in the fourth quarter, don’t think the Bolts won’t know exactly what to do.
SHAY ON TWITTER: @APShay
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