Class 6A battle draws mixed reactions
The Pine-Richland vs. St. Joseph’s Prep game is a highly-anticipated PIAA championship matching two teams that are ranked in the top 25 in some national polls. The Post-Gazette polled a few members of the media, a Major League Baseball player and a coach to get their thoughts on the game.
• Eric Epler, who compiles state rankings for Pennlive. — This Saturday will likely come down to several well-timed plays on the defensive side. However, we can hope for a similar exchange the last time Pine-Richland and St. Joe’s Prep tangled at Hersheypark Stadium (2014). Current Pitt starter Ben DiNucci produced 466 total yards (383 pass) in that tough 49-41 loss to the Hawks. It may take that kind of Herculean effort Saturday for the Rams to complete their season undefeated. To me, it’s a tossup, but I like Pine-Richland’s defense better. • Daniel Gallen, reporter for Pennlive.com — St. Joseph’s Prep might not have the same star power it had in years past — you probably saw D’Andre Swift clinching the SEC title for Georgia on Saturday night — but the Hawks play an opportunistic brand of football that keeps the pressure on its opponents, no matter what. St. Joe’s Prep doesn’t need to play a perfect game to beat you, but you need to play a perfect game to beat St. Joe’s Prep. For Pine-Richland to end St. Joe’s Prep’s 27game winning streak and capture the Class 6A title, the Rams must avoid turnovers and the big special teams play. The Hawks are wellcoached and solid, and they’ll make you pay. After the Coatesville game [in the semifinals], I can’t pick against St. Joe’s.
• Rob King, play-by-play announcer for high school games on AT&T SportsNet TV — I’ve had the privilege to call two of Pine-Richland’s games this year. In my 17 years of calling high school games in Pittsburgh, I’m not sure I’ve seen a finer team. Well-coached, very talented even beyond the superb Phil Jurkovec. Underrated defensively. It’s hard for me to imagine them not winning it all.
• Rick O’Brien, longtime high school reporter for the Philadelphia Inquirer — St. Joseph’s Prep rallied to beat speed-laden Coatesville, 5349, and now must face highlytouted quarterback Phil Jurkovec and Pine-Richland for top honors. The Hawks will have to tighten the screws on defense to win their fourth title in the last five seasons. Quarterback Marquez McCray spurred the Prep’s comefrom-behind win against Coatesville, completing 16 of 25 passes for 204 yards and two touchdowns. He ran for four second-half scores. The Hawks held off the Rams, 4941, in the 2014 final. Another classic could be in the making. Prep slows Jurkovec and Co. enough to notch their 28th consecutive victory. Pick: St. Joseph’s Prep, 3528.
• Chris Schneider, color commentator for high school games on AT&T SportsNet TV — What a great matchup. Both teams are well-coached, physical, disciplined and execute on a high level in all three phases of the game. It will come down to who wins the line of scrimmage, turnover margin, and which defense can slow down a talented QB. Phil Jurkovec hasn’t been stopped all year and the PR defense has been lights out all year. I like Pine Richland.
• Terry Totten, Central Catholic coach — After we lost to St. Joe’s last year, remember I said that I don’t know if anyone from the west will be able to beat St. Joe’s again. Well, I think Pine-Richland might be that team.
• Neil Walker, MLB player and former Pine-Richland player who has watched the Rams play this season — I went to Pine-Richland’s first state playoff game and they were challenged in the first half by State College. I think when they look across the field in this game, they’re going to see their biggest challenge of the year, especially from an individual standpoint. I haven’t seen St. Joe’s but Pine-Richland will see the best individual players, probably the biggest line and the best team they’ve faced. But knowing the pedigree of Pine, I think they’re going to be able to score. St. Joe’s has not seen an offense like Pine, but Pine’s defense has not seen an offense like St. Joe’s. It’s going to come down to taking care of the football, taking advantage of opportunities and I think converting on big third downs.