The Roman Catholic (Philadelphia, PA) varsity football team will play a neutral-site playoff game against Bishop McDevitt (Harrisburg, PA) on Friday, December 6 at 7 p.m. This matchup is part of the 2024 PIAA Football Championship – 5A tournament.

Roman Catholic vs Bishop McDevitt Football Game Info:

What: Pennsylvania High School Football
Who: Roman Catholic vs Bishop McDevitt
When: Friday, December 6, 2024
Time: 7 PM
Bracket: 2024 PIAA Football Championship – 5A
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Game preview: Roman Catholic vs Bishop McDevitt

As we head into the final stretch of the season, two Pennsylvania high school football powerhouses are gearing up for an intense matchup that promises to showcase some of the state’s top talent. Bishop McDevitt (13-2, 7-2 in conference) and Roman Catholic (11-4, 3-3 in conference) have both proven themselves as formidable forces, and this game could be a defining moment for each team’s playoff hopes.

Team Overview

Bishop McDevitt has been a juggernaut this season, boasting a strong overall record of 13-2. The Crusaders have been particularly dominant at home, where they’ve posted a 7-1 record. Their offense has been explosive, averaging 39.9 points per game, with a balanced attack that has excelled both in the air and on the ground. Quarterback Stone Saunders has been one of the standout performers, amassing 219.3 passing yards per game, while running back Nazir Jones-Davis has been a workhorse, averaging 109.5 rushing yards per game.

On the defensive side, Bishop McDevitt has been solid, with Venny Brooks leading the team in tackles at 7.7 per game. Their defense has been stingy, holding opponents to just 250 points over the course of the season.

Roman Catholic, with an 11-4 record, has also shown its strength, particularly in high-scoring games. Despite a more balanced record in conference play (3-3), the Cahillites have the ability to put up points, averaging 39.8 per game. Quarterback Semaj Beals has been the focal point of their offense, leading the team with 297.8 total yards per game, including 181.2 passing yards and 116.6 rushing yards. On the receiving end, Eyan Stead has been a key contributor, accumulating 89.3 receiving yards per game.

Defensively, Roman Catholic has struggled at times, allowing 341 points across the season, but they’ve managed to maintain strong individual performances, with JoJo Delecce leading the charge with 5.5 tackles per game and Lazyaryus Toombs contributing 1.0 sack per game.

Key Matchup: Offense vs. Defense

The game will likely hinge on how well each team’s offense can execute against the other’s defense. Bishop McDevitt’s high-powered offense, which averages 430.3 total yards per game, will be tested by Roman Catholic’s defense, which allows 119.0 yards per game. McDevitt’s ability to mix the pass and run effectively, with Stone Saunders’ passing and Nazir Jones-Davis’ running, will be critical in breaking down Roman Catholic’s defense.

On the flip side, Roman Catholic’s offense, led by Semaj Beals, will look to exploit Bishop McDevitt’s defense. Beals’ dual-threat ability as both a passer and a rusher makes him a unique challenge for any defense, and he’ll need to put together a perfect game to keep up with McDevitt’s offense. The key for Roman Catholic will be getting off to a strong start and maintaining consistency throughout the game, especially since their offense tends to struggle in the fourth quarter, averaging only 3.3 points during that period.

Players to Watch

• Stone Saunders (Bishop McDevitt): The dynamic quarterback has been the engine behind McDevitt’s offense. His 219.3 passing yards per game makes him one of the most potent quarterbacks in the state.
• Semaj Beals (Roman Catholic): Beals is the centerpiece of Roman Catholic’s offense, accounting for 297.8 total yards per game. His ability to make plays through the air and on the ground will be key.
• Nazir Jones-Davis (Bishop McDevitt): The Crusaders’ leading rusher with 109.5 yards per game, Jones-Davis provides a balance to the offense and will be crucial in keeping the chains moving.
• Eyan Stead (Roman Catholic): The top receiver for Roman Catholic, Stead will be crucial in helping Beals stretch the field and put pressure on McDevitt’s secondary.

Conclusion

This matchup between Bishop McDevitt and Roman Catholic is shaping up to be a thrilling contest between two teams with high-powered offenses and solid defenses. Bishop McDevitt’s balance and home-field advantage give them the edge, but Roman Catholic has the talent to pull off an upset. With both teams averaging nearly 40 points per game, this one could come down to who can execute better in the fourth quarter.