HERSHEY -- Earlier this week, Lancaster Catholic head coach Bruce Harbach put a challenge to his football team: Be more physical than Mount Carmel. On Saturday afternoon, the Crusaders were more physical than Mount Carmel, and then some.
"Coach challenged us this week, saying they were more physical than us," said Lancaster Catholic lineman Nicholas Schmalhofer.
The Lancaster Catholic offense amassed 600 yards of total offense and scored 41 points against a Red Tornadoes defense that had allowed just 21 points in this year's playoffs through three games.
The physical play began up front with the Crusaders offensive line, then carried over to all aspects of the game Saturday.
"We wanted to prove that we could be more physical and control the trenches," said Schmalhofer, who added seven tackles and two sacks from his defensive end spot.
"We felt we could run the ball on them."
The Crusaders rushed for 297 yards, including 147 from sophomore tailback Jordan Stewart, who dashed for three touchdowns to bring his season total to 15.
"Our ability to run the ball early really helped open up the passing game, and we were able to make some plays versus man-to-man coverage," said quarterback Kyle Smith.
Smith, who threw for 303 yards, could see the improvement of the offensive line.
"Our offensive line is getting better and better every week. We are definently peaking at the right time."
The Crusaders offensive line gave Smith protection all day, allowing just one sack and three tackles for loss.
They also opened up big holes for running backs Stewart, Alan Berlucchi, and Quinn Houser.
"Our offensive line did a great job today. I couldn't be more proud of them," said Harbach.
"We take huge pride in our play," said Schmalhofer. "We know we may not be scoring the touchdowns, but we know we will be congratulated for good blocks and giving Kyle time."
Defensively, the Crusaders had to be just as physical to stop a potent Mount Carmel offense that was led on the ground by James Demetrius. The Crusaders held Mount Carmel to 148 yards rushing on 24 attempts.
"Our defense did a great job stepping up today," said Smith.
Linebacker Neil Fox led the Crusaders with 10 tackles and defensive end Andrew Heise pitched in with two sacks.
Collectively, defensive ends Schmalhofer and Heise combined for 10 tackles and all four of Lancaster Catholic's sacks.
"The defense really came out today and set the tone. They played great," said Smith.
A big key to the game for the Crusaders was containing Mount Carmel quarterback Marcus Wasilewski.
"Our plan was to take away the outside and get in the quarterback's face and make him uncomfortable.
"We needed to force him out of the pocket," said Schmalhofer.
Lancaster Catholic won despite committing 17 penalties for 158 yards.
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Crusaders were more physical than Red Tornadoes
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