La Salle decks Parkland in quarterfinal

In punching a ticket to the state semifinals for the fourth straight year, La Salle (12-1) stopped Baranek (24 carries for 31 yards) and company behind the line of scrimmage 18 times.

"I was a little bit surprised we had as much success as we did, but I knew we had it in us," junior end Ryan Coonahan said.

Naji and Coonahan were joined up front by tackles David Losier, Tom Spiteri, Andrew Carlone, and Luke Persichetti. Coonahan and Losier each had a pair of sacks.

"The guys next to me are special," Coonahan said.

Said Explorers coach Drew Gordon: "I think our guys did a real good job against their speed."

In the semifinals, La Salle, ranked No. 1 in Southeastern Pennsylvania by The Inquirer, will face No. 3 Coatesville (12-2) at 7 p.m. Friday at Downingtown West's Kottmeyer Stadium.

"From what we've heard, Coatesville is very fast and dynamic," Naji said. "But if we come out and play like we did against Parkland, we'll be fine. It's all in how we prepare for an opponent."

Also solid against Parkland, which arrived averaging 40 points per game, was a linebacking corps composed of Mike Eife, Zaire Franklin, and Trent Simmons.

Through three quarters, the Explorers held the Trojans (11-3) to 16 yards rushing and 18 passing, and five first downs.

"We just never got any tempo going on offense," Trojans coach Jim Morgans said.

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La Salle decks Parkland in quarterfinal