Class 2A PIAA Semifinals: Bishop McDevitt VS. Southern Columbia

Alex Christo

November 19, 2020 @ 06:00 AM

We have a great matchup on Saturday, November 21st between Bishop McDevitt- Wyncote (5-1) and Southern Columbia (11-0) in the PIAA semifinals. Each team has D-I players, whether it may be FBS or FCS level. This is the first meeting between them for over a decade (no info before the 2004 season). Here are the key players from each team.   Bishop McDevitt Key Players: [player_tooltip player_id="27734" first="Semaj" last="Bridgeman"] (SOPH) Linebacker: 6’2 215: Semaj is the most sought out linebacker out of PA in the 2023 class. He is a physical kid who is also a really good tackler. In last week’s win, Semaj had a touchdown catch and recorded an interception. Expect him to be all over Gavin.   [player_tooltip player_id="27570" first="Emmanuel" last="Sia"] (JR) Wide Receiver 5’9 165: Emmanuel has a good release. He shows to track and adjust to the ball well with good ball skills. He has good speed but wouldn’t say he is a complete burner. In last week’s playoff win, Emmanuel had a game-changing play that would lead to their victory. He had a pick-6 early third quarter for them to take the lead and never looked back.   Southern Columbia Key Players: Derek Berlitz (JR) Defensive End 6’3 220: Derek has good get off with okay bend. He shows quickness with good speed. Expect him to have an impact. In the second round of the playoffs, Derek blocked a punt that was returned for a touchdown by one of his teammates. Derek is a good player who is getting recruited by a MAC school.   [player_tooltip player_id="27651" first="Gavin" last="Garcia"] (JR) Running Back 5’7 170: Gavin shows quickness, speed, and shiftiness. He also has a second gear. He shows physicality as well. In the last two playoff games, Gavin has rushed for 364 yards on 23 carries. He has accounted for 7 touchdowns including a pick-6 in last week’s win. Gavin has a MAC offer and a few other FCS offers. He is also being recruited by a Power 5 school.