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Claysburg-Kimmel won the Inter-County Conference's North Division, and the Bulldogs have had one of their best high school football seasons in program history by reaching the District 6 Class 1A semifinals.
But C-K coach Chuck Kassick knows the challenge in front of his team Saturday when it travels to Hollidaysburg's Tiger Stadium to take on top-seeded Bishop Guilfoyle Academy at 7 p.m. for the right to play in next week's district championship.
"Everything (is impressive). They have speed, they have athleticism, they have size," Kassick said. "But it's an academy in the middle of a 6A school district with 5A and 3A schools surrounding it and giving into it. So, there's no doubt they are a juggernaut. They have been for the last 15 to 20 years, and they are back in single-A this year somehow. There's no doubt that the challenge is monumental, to say the least."
The Marauders, who played in Class 2A the last two seasons after being moved up due to the PIAA's success formula after winning the 2021 state title, won a District 6 Class 2A title in 2022 but lost in the first round of the playoffs a year ago and thus did not accumulate enough success points to be forced to stay in Class 2A. BG then filed and won an appeal that showed it had no players transfer into the school and play football after eighth grade, so due to enrollment numbers at the school, the Marauders were able to drop back to 1A.
"We're going to be on the same field with the team polls across the state say is the No. 1 team in the state of Pennsylvania in Class A," Kassick said. "I'm sure that's going to be on their minds. We just have to make sure we stay focused and don't get caught up on how good they are. We have to go out and play football. We have to play fundamental football for 48 minutes and play hard every play and just do the little things."
Bishop Guilfoyle coach Justin Wheeler says Claysburg-Kimmel and its pair of 1,000-yard rushers, quarterback Mason Campagna and running back Mark Lattieri, have their respect.
"They have two really athletic kids that can run the ball -- two 1,000-yard rushers -- most teams are trying to get one, and they have two," Wheeler said. "That poses a challenge for every defense when you have such an athletic quarterback that can run the ball, and he's not one dimensional, he also has around 1,400 yards passing, so he's a dual-threat kid with an athletic back beside him. They are definitely an athletic group, and we're going to have to try and match that athleticism."
The Marauders certainly handled their business in the first round with a 49-0 shutout of Juniata Valley in which BG outgained the Hornets by nearly 500 yards after it suffered a last-second loss to Penn Cambria in the Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference championship game.
"After the (Juniata Valley) game, our kids said they weren't done," Wheeler said. "We're not leaving any doubt any week. Not that you ever want to lose, but last week was probably the best week of practice we have had in a long time, and the kids are ready to go this week. It's something that had a group of kids where things went well for them most of the year and it helped rally us."
Claysburg-Kimmel topped Glendale, 32-22, for its first playoff win since a 2019 triumph over Penns Manor. The Bulldogs had the community of Claysburg lined up on the streets for their return home.
"It just goes to show how much love and support this community has for all their programs, in particular the football team at this point," Kassick said. "It's been overwhelming, the support they have given us all season long."
Wheeler said he knows a lot of teams approach playing BG like it's the biggest game they will ever play.
"I think it helps us, because we have to be ready for every game and start fast," Wheeler said. "We have been part of different senior days across the area, and a lot of times if a team had beaten us, that's one of their favorite memories. We hear that a lot. We know it's important to teams, and we know we're going to get everyone's 'A' game. It helps us in big games, because we're used to getting the best shot from every team every week. This week won't be any different. They have a great team and great support. I think it will be a packed house."
Kassick agreed.
"I expect there to be a lot of Claysburg fans on Saturday night," Kassick said. "They travel well and have supported us all season long. It's a special place, and I'm blessed to be part of it."