6. Bishop McCort (9-3) vs. 1. Bellwood-Antis (11-1) Saturday 7:00 Mansion Park
It took twelve weeks, but the game everyone expected to see in the Class A finals will take place this Saturday at Altoon'a Mansion Park. It was a different ride for both teams to make it here, but it is expected to be a classic game. Before talking about the present game, the past must be mentioned. This will be the fifth consecutive season Bishop McCort and Bellwood-Antis will be playing in the postseason. It is the third time since 2001 the two teams will be playing for a District Championship. Every game in the series has been a classic battle. 2008 Bishop McCort narrowly escaped at the Point Stadium in the semi finals. The 2009 game had the Crushers coem from behind at hlaftime to take the Championship. The 2010 game was decided by one point under some controversy, yet the Crushers won yet again. The 2011 game finally saw Bellwood win a close contest over Bishop McCort with an 11-10 final. The game is always highly competitive and spirited, and a nice rivalry between the schools has been brewing.
Bishop McCort will be playing for a district championship for the tenth time in twelve years. The Crushers have won five times during that span. The 2012 team is looking to win a championship for the first time since 2009. Coach Kevin Sheridan's squad is coming together at the right time, and they are much better than their six seed indicates. Bishop McCort's core strength is a defense that has forced 35 turnovers and have scored six touchdowns. They only allow 13 points a game. It starts with a massive defensive front anchored by senior, Gap Barbin. Lake Dorn and Christian Roman are the bulk in the middle and have made it tough to run on the Crushers. Dustin Belskey and Ethan Neiderhiser are hard hitters, and Nate James is a tackling machine. Luke DiFrancesco, Jacob Burgo, and Jordan Spangler all have multiple interceptions in the secondary.
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| Zaine Tomkowski |
The McCort offense struggled for the majority of the season, but since the week nine win over Bishop Guilfoyle, it has been rolling. Zaine Tomkowski has emerged as one of the better passers in the area, and paces the offense with 1,632 yards and 13 touchdowns. Tomkowski has also rushed for six touchdowns. The running game has been better with the return of Dustin Belskey. He is a big physical back, and Wyatt Jackson is the quicker back. They each have six rushing touchdowns on the season. McCort has some solid threats on the outside with Jordan Spangler and Luke DiFrancesco. They both are dangerous after the catch. Ryan Siwy has been reliable at the Tight End spot. McCort can boast the best special teams in the area. Jordan Spangler has made eight field goals on the season, to go along with his excellent punting.
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| Seth Worthing |
Bellwood-Antis has been the odds on favorite to win the Class A title all season long. They have been among the state's top ten for most of the season, and come into this game with an 11-1 record. The Bellwood success certainly starts with the top. John Hayes is one of the legendary coaches in District Six. Hayes and his staff always have their players ready to play, and they may be the most well coached team around. The Blue Devils are no strangers to playing over the holiday weekend at Mansion Park. Bellwood can claim three championships since 2004. The Blue Devils came up short in the championship game last season, and have been on a mission to return to this game. The offense has been key for the Blue Devils, and it starts with junior do-it-all player, Casey Gray. Gray has rushed for 1,592 yards on the season along with 21 touchdowns. Gray is also a big factor in the passing game. Seth Worthing has played like a solid senior quarterback all season long. He has thrown for 1,125 yards and 11 touchdowns. Worthing has also rushed for eight touchdowns. Haden Degennaro is an important offensive weapon. He is the team's second leading rusher and receiver. Cameron Worthing is the team's top deep threat, as he averages 20 yards a catch.
Bellwood has a strong defense that does not always get the attention it deserves. The held down Bishop Guilfoyle in the semi final round. It starts with the solid tackling of the Linebackers. Tyler Campbell,Danny Beech, and Ian O'Shea can hit hard, and they are always around the football. Keith Shawley anchors a defensive line that has been solid all year long. He has seven sacks to lead the team. Casey Gray doubles up as a pretty good cornerback, and Seth Worthing is a very alert Safety.
Truth be told, both teams are well coached, stocked with athletes, and are accustomed to winning. This is everything you could want in a championship game. The recent history of this series would suggest that these teams are in for another classic showdown. The game is so evenly matched, that it is not easy to make a pick. Bellwood-Antis runs the ball so well on offense, but Bishop McCort defends the run extremely well. Bishop McCort can sling the ball on offense, but Bellwood has a very experienced secondary. I am going to pick Bellwood-Antis in this game. I picked them at the beginning of the tournament, so I feel obligated to stick with them. This game could go either way, but it will be a close one.
Blue Devils 26 Crimson Crushers 25
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