The fervor of adoring parents, the pressure from schoolmates, and all the chatter on Facebook and Twitter. Also, the alumni coming "out of the woodwork," Zimmerman said, looking to hop on the team bandwagon.
"My concern is that they're a little distracted," Zimmerman said. "[Our goal] is staying focused and not getting caught up in all the hoopla and the nonsense."
The Pioneers (23-0-1) will face District 7 champion Upper St. Clair at 5 p.m. Saturday at Hersheypark Stadium in their first championship-game appearance since they won the title in 1988.
Four hours earlier, New Hope-Solebury will look to defend its Class A state crown against Mercyhurst Prep in a rematch of the 2010 title game.
Upper St. Clair (20-1-2) won back-to-back Class AAA titles in 2003-04 and might provide Conestoga's stiffest competition yet.
Both teams like to possess and move the ball. Both advanced to the title game by earning difficult semifinal victories in penalty kicks Tuesday. Stylistically, the teams are similar.
"They remind us of us," Zimmerman said.
As it has all year, Conestoga will be anchored by its staunch defense, led by middle back Andrew Gonzalez and star goalkeeper Clarke Fox. The Pioneers have shut out 16 opponents this year and haven't allowed more than one goal in any game. They have not surrendered a lead the entire season and have been spectacular in close affairs: 12 of their wins have come by one goal.
"Ultimately, I'm able to sleep at night because of our defense," Zimmerman said of a unit that has allowed just eight goals all season.
Not much has thwarted the Pioneers - save for a late-season rivalry with Council Rock North, which they beat in the district finals and state semifinals in tense meetings.
