Allentown Central Catholic (Pa.) vs. Bishop McDevitt (Harrisburg, Pa.), FridayQuarterback
Brendan Nosovitch set four state playoff records and tied a fifth last week in Central Catholic's 49-27 win over Archbishop Wood in the 3A semifinals. The 6-3 junior threw for 418 and ran for 183 yards with seven total touchdowns. He has more than 2,800 passing yards and 1,600 on the ground with 64 total touchdowns for the season. The Vikings (15-0) are shooting for their first state title since 1998.
MaxPreps' Pennsylvania football playoff brackets Bishop McDevitt was a perennial early season favorite in recent years as a 4A team but never reached the state championship game. The Crusaders' last state title came in 1995, when they were a 2A program. This year's squad started the season 2-2 but has won its last 11 games. They rallied from a 21-3 halftime deficit to beat Cathedral Prep (Erie) last week. Bowling Green-committed quarterback
Matt Johnson had 211 passing yards in the game, bringing his career total to 7,699 – the fifth highest mark in state history. Junior end
Noah Spence was a force on defense, recording his 21st sack of the year. The early forecast is for mostly cloudy skies and temperatures in the 20s for Friday night's game at Hershey Park in Hershey, Pa.
Video of Bishop McDevitt vs. Gateway{VIDEO_4c182b73-8fce-475b-8ebe-a67ae4cad8e9,floatCenter}
Mitch Stephens: Central Catholic 27, Bishop McDevitt 17
Steve Montoya: Central Catholic 10, Bishop McDevitt 7
Stephen Spiewak: Central Catholic 28, Bishop McDevitt 24
Kevin Askeland: Bishop McDevitt 27, Central Catholic 14
Jamie DeMoney: Central Catholic 35, Bishop McDevitt 14
MaxPreps Projection: Central Catholic 35, Bishop McDevitt 22
