Here is a closer look at the playoff:
Coaches. North Penn's Dick Beck is 117-19 (.860 winning percentage) in 10 seasons. For the Golden Hawks, Vince Bedesem is 67-45 (.598) in 10 years.
History. Last year was the first meeting between the schools.
Rankings. North Penn is ranked No. 3 in Southeastern Pennsylvania by The Inquirer; C.R. South is No. 4.
On a roll. After a 1-2 start, including second-half collapses vs. La Salle and St. Joseph's Prep, the Knights have won 10 straight by a combined score of 338-81.
Scoring in bunches. With a wishbone scheme, the Golden Hawks have averaged 32.3 points over the last seven games. Overall, they have a 28.7 average.
Handyman. Dan Gevirtz has been a do-everything type for North Penn. In last week's 27-3 romp over Pennsbury, the 5-foot-11, 165-pound senior caught a 9-yard touchdown pass, ran for a 23-yard score, and added a 63-yard punt return.
Spark plug. For C.R. South, 6-0, 185-pound senior quarterback Brian Donnelly has carried 180 times for 1,396 yards and 23 TDs.
Capable passer. North Penn senior Corey Ernst has completed 136 of 210 passes for 1,926 yards and 25 TDs.
Other threats. Donnelly, who threw just twice in last week's 38-24 triumph against Garnet Valley, is supported on offense by halfback Anthony Alimenti and fullback Ryan Whiteley. Another playmaker is halfback Christian Crane.
Stout group. North Penn's defense has yielded an average of just 8.1 points in the last 10 games. The leaders include tackle Derek Brandt, end Shayne Watson, linebackers Ralph Reeves and Matt Smith, and strong safety-outside linebacker Danny Wynne.
On the spot. C.R. South's defense will have to be at its best against the Knights. The headliners are tackle Andrew Cohen, ends P.J. Steinmetz and Jake Presley, and linebackers Whiteley and P.J. Gallo.
Quotable. Beck on slowing C.R. South's wishbone attack: "It's responsibility football. Our mantra this whole week has been 'Take care of your job, and good things will happen.' "
Analysis. An upset isn't out of the question. For it to happen, though, C.R. South will have to have some success with the play-action pass. Look for the Knights, with a balanced offense and an ever-improving defense, to prevail.
Pick. North Penn, 31-21.
Contact staff writer Rick O'Brien at 610-313-8019, robrien@phillynews.com, or @ozoneinq on Twitter. Read his blog, "The O'Zone," at www.philly.com/ozone
