3 Things to Watch Round 2 of Playoffs
In this article:
In the second round of the playoffs, all eyes will be on three quarterbacks, 2 of them making their 1st playoff appearance. We also got 2 receivers who could be major factors in a championship game. QB Stone Saunders…
Access all of Prep Redzone
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingIn the second round of the playoffs, all eyes will be on three quarterbacks, 2 of them making their 1st playoff appearance. We also got 2 receivers who could be major factors in a championship game.
QB Stone Saunders Stone Saunders 6'2" | 200 lbs | QB Bishop McDevitt | 2025 State PA and his 1st Playoff Appearance
Bishop McDevitt had a bye last week and for the first time, we get to see freshman QB Saunders in playoff form. Even though the Crusaders won their final regular-season game, Saunders statistically had his 2nd worst performance of the season, completing 54.5% and throwing his first interception. He did have 2 touchdown passes though, that was his lowest since Week 1 with zero touchdowns. We’ve been high on Saunders all season and rightfully so. Excited to see what he can do in the playoffs.
QB’s Brad Birch Brad Birch 6'0" | 190 lbs | QB Gateway | 2024 State PA Vs. Julian Dugger Julian Dugger 6'4" | 200 lbs | QB Penn Hills | 2024 State PA Round 2
Gateway had a bye last week, so Birch enters the first playoff game of his career (missed last season due to injury). Dugger will be making his 3rd career start in the playoffs, he is 1-1. His playoff loss came to Gateway last year. Their first meeting against each other was earlier in the season, where the Gators won, but both QB’s struggled, more so Dugger. Birch was 11-for-20 217 yards with 3 touchdowns and 3 interceptions. Dugger went 7-for-19 and 89 yards. He was stripped sacked twice but only lost the ball once. Dugger was more effective in the running game, carrying the ball 16 times for 109 yards and a TD. Will Dugger finally get a win against a top WPIAL program? Will nerves get the best of Birch? interested to see how this plays out.
District 6A Championship Game Wide Receivers
State College and Williamsport will be playing in the district 6A championship game Friday night. There are playmakers on each team that could be major factors. These are two different style receivers. State College’s senior Jashaun Green Jashaun Green 6'3" | 180 lbs | WR State College | 2022 State PA is a physical, big-bodied receiver while Williamsport’s sophomore Jamaire Harden is a smaller quicker, and shiftier receiver. On the season Green has recorded 26 receptions for 500+ yards and 6 touchdowns. Harden has the speed to take it to the house on any play. In 8 games (missed 3 ½ due to injury), he has recorded 28 receptions for 615 yards and 6 touchdowns. He also has 6 carries for 60 yards and another touchdown. It’ll be interesting to see which receiver will be more of an impact.