Non Public B State Finals Preview: Pope John vs. DePaul
Season Recap
DePaul Spartans: Dominant March to the Final
DePaul has been a force this season, with only a single loss marring their impressive record. They've dominated their opponents with a high-powered offense and a staunch defense, outscoring their postseason adversaries 132-21 in the last three games. Key to their success is junior quarterback Derek Zammit, who has thrown for 2,461 yards and 34 touchdowns.
Their offensive attack is balanced with senior running back Nolan James Jr., racking up 1,677 rushing yards and 17 touchdowns, and senior receiver De'zie Jones, who has amassed 984 receiving yards and 15 touchdowns.
Pope John Lions: The Underdog's Resilient Path
Contrasting their opponent's season, Pope John has had a challenging journey with a 5-7 record, yet they've made a remarkable playoff surge, defeating higher-seeded teams to reach the finals. Junior quarterback Luke Irwin, a former DePaul player, has been instrumental with 1,423 passing yards and 13 touchdowns.
Senior running back Tylik Hill has been the cornerstone of their ground game, accumulating 2,161 yards and 24 touchdowns, providing the offensive spark for the Lions.
Head-to-Head History
These teams kicked off their seasons against each other, with DePaul securing a decisive 47-15 victory. However, Pope John has evolved since that game, making this rematch a much-anticipated battle.
Key Matchups
De'zie & Elijah vs. Pope John Secondary
Jones, committed to Ohio State, is a game-changing receiver whose speed and route running will challenge Pope John's secondary, which has shown vulnerability but also resilience in critical moments. Elijah Burress has also been stellar this season with nearly 1,000 yards on the year. The two have been a dynamic duo all season and will test any secondary they face.
Pope John's Running Game vs. DePaul's Front Seven
Tylik Hill's explosive running will test DePaul's robust defensive line and linebackers, spearheaded by senior linebacker Anthony Nittoli, who leads the team with 100 total tackles.
Tale of the Tape
| Statistic | DePaul | Pope John |
|---|---|---|
| Points Per Game | 37.9 | 28.4 |
| Points Allowed Per Game | 16.3 | 27.9 |
| Passing Yards Per Game | 245.7 | 117.4 |
| Rushing Yards Per Game | 217.8 | 188.1 |
| Turnover Differential | +8 | -2 |
Keys to Victory
DePaul
- Control the Air: Zammit and Jones need to exploit the aerial routes.
- Shut Down Hill: Limiting Tylik Hill's rushing lanes will be crucial to curb Pope John's momentum.
Pope John
- Start Strong: Early scores could shake DePaul's confidence.
- Pressure Zammit: Disrupting DePaul's quarterback could lead to crucial turnovers.
Why You Should Watch
This championship game is not just about the title; it's about redemption, rivalry, and showcasing future college football stars. With high stakes and high tension, this matchup at MetLife Stadium is set to be a memorable one.
Be sure to tune in on Saturday at 11:00 AM for a battle that promises intense action and thrilling football.