North Allegheny (Wexford, Pa.) vs. Coatesville (Pa.)
Patrick Kugler and North Allegheny look to put a ribbon on a dominant season by beating Coatesville in the state final.
Photo by Dennis Marpuri
Coach Art Walker is trying to direct No. 18 North Allegheny (15-0) to its second Class 4A state title in three seasons. If successful -- coupled with the 2004 Central Catholic (Pittsburgh) team -- it would be the second time a Walker-led team has finished with a 16-0 record. Flawless might be too strong of a word to describe the Tigers' play this season, but it's not too far off the mark. They've outscored opponents by a combined 608-112 mark with a 30-point average margin of victory in five playoff games.
Mack Leftwich, a Stephen F. Austin recruit, is having a dazzling senior season with 3,312 passing yards, 43 touchdowns and a 141 passer rating. Leading the way up front is Michigan recruit
Patrick Kugler, the No. 11-rated guard prospect in the nation according to MaxPreps.
A week after knocking Philadelphia Catholic League champion La Salle (Wyndmoor) out in the state semifinals, Coatesville (13-2) will appear in a state championship game for the first time in school history. Along the way, the Red Raiders captured the District One championship as the ninth seed. They enter the game with an 11-game winning streak. Directing Coatesville's offensive attack is senior quarterback
Emmitt Hunt, who has nearly 3,000 passing yards with 43 touchdowns and only three interceptions.
Mitch Stephens: North Allegheny 42, Coastesville 28
Jamie DeMoney: North Allegheny 35, Coatesville 20
Stephen Spiewak: North Allegheny 35, Coatesville 21
Leland Gordon: North Allegheny 34, Coatesville 21
Kevin Askeland: North Allegheny 28, Coatesville 21
Steve Montoya: North Allegheny 38, Coatesville 28
