Mechanicsburg puts its undefeated season on the line Friday when the second-seeded Wildcats host 6-seed Bishop McDevitt in a District 3 5A semifinal. Kickoff is 7 p.m. at John H. Frederick Field. Below is a closer look at the matchup.

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THE CRUSADERS (10-2): Jeff Weachter’s crew is again on pace to gobble up another District 3 title, this time in 5A. That doesn’t mean the Crusaders can lose sight on their next hurdle. And it’s a tall one. McD did topple previous unbeaten Conrad Weiser last week, getting 304 passing yards and five TDs from Kentucky-bound QB Stone Saunders.

He continued to creep closer to the state’s career mark in passing yards. Those 190 rushing yards vs. the Scouts was impressive, too. Nazir Jones-Davis paced that end. Other stars included Jontai Quick (4 catches, 167 yards, 3 TDs), WR Dominic Diaz-Ellis and LB RJ Duffy (seven tackles).

The combination stamped McD’s 42-7 quarterfinal win. Once again, that’s the rub when facing the Crusaders. The action comes in quick, decisive bursts, and from all angles.

THE WILDCATS (11-0): We wondered if two-time defending 5A champion Cocalico would be the first to slow down Mechanicsburg’s massive momentum. Nope.

A crowded house at Frederick Field watched another tactical and explosive performance, with QB Eli Reider steering a 42-3 quarterfinal win. Reider had his mitts on five scores, two connecting with WR Noah Apple for touchdowns. There are not enough positive adjectives to describe the guys along the line of scrimmage.

WR Josh Smith, RB Isaac Dollman, who returned to the lineup last week, are some of the beneficiaries. Dave Heckard’s team is racking up 38.5 points per game. That’s beyond its unheralded defense and the diminutive 11.4 points it’s allowing. This week is a much different test, but Mechanicsburg has passed every one with flying colors so far.

AT STAKE: The winner advances to the District 3 5A championship game to square off with either eighth-seeded Exeter Township (11-1) or No. 4 Conestoga Valley (11-0).

X-FACTOR: McD’s O-Line. Long minutes inside the Commonwealth Division did galvanize the Crusaders’ front. McD is now more balanced and more dangerous than ever. That said, it will take all their strength and will to give Saunders room to operate.

THE PICK: Bishop McDevitt 35, Mechanicsburg 27

Follow Eric Epler on X/Twitter — @threejacker

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