Pine-Richland gets matchup it wanted: St. Joseph’s

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Pine-Richland coach Eric Kasperowicz has appreciated the focus of his team this season. He believes the Rams have been swell in following the clichéd philosophy of don’t look past the next game.

But in reality, these have been Rams with double vision. One eye has always looked at the present, the next game, the next opponent.

The other has looked toward Philadelphia.

The City of Brotherly Love is home to St. Joseph’s Prep, which happens to have the king of bigschool football in the state of Pennsylvania. St. Joseph’s has been anything but an average Joe. The Hawks have won three of the past four PIAA titles in the largest classification. They have a terrific program and send loads of players to colleges.

Pine-Richland came into this season believing it was good. Back when the Rams had their first team meeting in February, Kasperowicz said he and the players made a state championship one of the goals. Pine-Richland has been better than good. The Rams have been terrific, going 15-0 and averaging close to 50 points a game. Although they wouldn’t say it to the media or many others outside the team, the Rams also have been following St. Joseph’s all season, anticipating a matchup with the Philadelphia Catholic League power.

Now Pine-Richland can talk freely about a St. Josephs’ game — because it’s finally here.

St. Joseph’s (13-0) vs. Pine-Richland (15-0). Two powerful teams, undefeated and ranked in the top 25 in the country in some national polls. Ranked No. 1 and 2 in state rankings since the preseason. They meet at 6 p.m. Saturday with a PIAA Class 6A championship on the line.

It wouldn’t be an overstatement to say this is one of the most anticipated title games in a long time.

“St. Joe’s always has been there every week. They’re the kings,” said Kasperowicz. “We would never say it out loud, but we were always peaking at them, always keeping them on the back burner. It’s a great heavyweight battle.