St. Joe’s Prep blows out Imhotep Charter to capture District 12 football championship
Hawks running back Khyan Billups led the charge with two touchdowns, while the Panthers were held scoreless Saturday. The Prep will advance to quarterfinals of the PIAA Class 6A playoffs.
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In a highly anticipated matchup between two powerhouse football programs, St. Joseph’s Prep routed Imhotep Charter, 42-0, Saturday at Northeast High School for the District 12 championship.
The Hawks will have a chance to defend their state title as they advance to the quarterfinals of the PIAA Class 6A playoffs. The Prep will face Parkland High School of Allentown on Friday or Saturday at a time to be determined.
Saturday marked the first time the teams faced each other. Both teams entered the game as defending state champions — Imhotep won in the 5A, and St. Joe’s Prep in 6A — but now both compete in the state’s biggest classification after Imhotep’s move to 6A.
From the start, Imhotep (10-2) struggled to get its offense going and was plagued by penalties — the Panthers picked up eight in the first half. St. Joe’s Prep was led by running back Khyan Billups, who had two rushing touchdowns, including a 27-yarder in the third quarter.
“I feel good,” Billups said. “Today didn’t feel any different from any other performance. I was just looking forward to coming out and doing what I needed to do to help my team win. This win means a lot because, over the years, this team has been winning the playoffs, and I feel like we came out and did what we needed to do.”
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Before the game, Billups heard chatter about Imhotep running back Jabree Wallace-Coleman, who’s committed to Penn State. But he didn’t let it faze him.
“I mean Jabree, he’s a good back,” Billups said. “A lot of people try to compare me and him, but I just wanted to come out here and do what I needed to do. That’s all.”
St. Joe’s Prep (8-2) led Imhotep, 21-0, at the half. Heading into the third quarter, the Panthers were looking for a fresh start but again couldn’t get going on offense. The Hawks took advantage, and linebacker Anthony Sacca, who’s heading to Notre Dame, capped the scoring with an 95-yard interception return for a touchdown.
As The Prep continues its run for a state title, Hawks coach Tim Roken leaves his team with one message.
“Keep the main thing the main thing,” Roken said. “We got to go 1-0 next week to try to keep this mission alive.”