Dec 7, 2023 By Jonathan Guth 5 min read

Imhotep Charter out of Philadelphia features a junior tailback who has committed to Georgia, a dual-threat quarterback who is headed to West Point and two defensive players bound for Pitt and Penn State next season.

The undefeated Panthers enter tonight’s game at 14-0 and are considered the favorite to win the PIAA Class 5A football championship.

Imhotep was also favored to win the last two state title games against WPIAL teams, Penn-Trafford and Pine-Richland, but lost both times.

Peters Township might not have the name recognition or the reputation, as this is the Indians’ first trip to the state finals, but coach TJ Plack’s squad has been proving the naysayers wrong all year long, and will step on Cumberland Valley High School’s Chapman Field this evening at 7 looking to finish the season a perfect 16-0.

“We know they are a very good team with some talented players that have Division I offers, but we really just worry about ourselves,” Plack said. “Our guys are ready to go out there and you don’t need much more motivation than a chance to win the first state championship in school history.

“We have been telling our guys to think about all the times they have dreamt about playing for and winning a state title. We have been locked in and will stick with our same schedule in regards to our travel plan in making the trip to the game, but we will check in at a hotel before heading to the stadium. Also, when you talk about the WPIAL, we’ve had numerous coaches reach out to us from District 7. It really feels like the West versus the East.”

Imhotep has been regarded the last decade as one of the top teams in the state, but the finals have been its kryptonite. The Panthers enter tonight’s contest 1-6 in state title games.

South Fayette blew out Imhotep, 41-0, in 2013 before the Panthers routed Cathedral Prep, 40-3, in 2015. Prep defeated Imhotep each of the next three years.

The Panthers returned in 2021, but dropped a 17-14 decision to Penn-Trafford and Pine-Richland’s 28-14 triumph last year continued the West’s run.

Imhotep will definitely be motivated, and the Indians’ vaunted defense, which was instrumental in last week’s 14-9 semifinal victory over Cocalico, will be tested as the Panthers’ Jabree Wallace-Coleman has rushed for 1,373 yards on 180 carries and scored 27 touchdowns. Wallace-Coleman committed to Georgia as a sophomore.

Quarterback Mikal Davis Jr. has thrown for 2,239 yards and 17 touchdowns.

“They definitely have guys on offense who can do some things, but we are confident in our defense, which has been solid all year,” Plack said. “We must play fundamentally sound football if we are going to beat these guys.”

The Indians’ offense might not be on par with the defense, but it is very close. The offensive performance in the win over Cocalico wasn’t what Plack or his staff is used to.

“I thought some of what happened last week to our offense was uncharacteristic of our guys,” Plack said. “We had too many penalties that put us in third-and-long, plus we didn’t win special teams last week. We must clean those things up.”

Imhotep’s defensive-line duo of Jahsear Whittington (6-2, 280) and Zahir Mathis (6-6, 230) will look to make things difficult for Peters Township’s offensive line, as they will be focused on getting pressure on sophomore quarterback Nolan DiLucia.

Whittington has committed to Pitt and Mathis is still weighing his options but has offers from a boatload of Power 5 schools.

“You look at those two guys in No. 25 (Whittington) and No. 9 (Mathis), and they can do a lot of damage,” Plack said. “No. 9 (Mathis) is not only tall but is so long and tough on the pass rush and No. 25 (Whittington) is committed to Pitt.

“You can’t forget about No. 2 (Kenny Woseley Jr.), who is committed to Penn State and really active at cornerback. He is also one of their team leaders and will get the rest of their guys ready to play.”

The Indians’ Franco Muscatello didn’t play last week, but he will be back in the starting lineup on the line.

DiLucia has passed for 3,049 yards and 29 touchdowns. Carter Shanafelt, who also serves as Peters Township’s kicker and punter, has caught 43 passes for 811 yards and 10 touchdowns.

Ethan Wertman (38-540-4), Nick McCullough (24-446-6), Nate Miller (39-394-1) and Thomas Aspinall (14-249-4) have been top receivers for the sophomore quarterback. Aspinall’s production has come in just four games.

Vinny Sarcone has rushed for 926 yards on 213 carries and scored 22 touchdowns. Preston Blair has 663 yards on 111 attempts and eight trips to the end zone. DiLucia has 490 yards on 104 carries and eight touchdowns.

Justin Tornatore leads the Indians’ defense in tackles with 61. He also has three sacks and two interceptions.

Eliot Schratz leads the team in interceptions with seven, including one defensive touchdown, and has made 55 tackles. Mickey Vaccarello is the team leader in tackles for loss with 28 and sacks with 12. He is third on the team in tackles with 53.