PHILADELPHIA- There has been perhaps no greater rivalry in high school football in the past few years than that of North Penn and La Salle. Saturday’s matchup between these two teams became a classic.

The La Salle explorers looked to make it three in a row against the North Penn Knights at Northeast High School, but North Penn would not allow it to happen as they defeated La Salle 21-14 to advance to only their second state title game in the school’s history.

“The win feels amazing,” said senior running back James Fielder. “We came into this game knowing we had have heart and drive in order to beat this team. We came in pumped up and ready to play.”

This game showed the tenacity of two great teams, but as always in sports, only one could emerge victorious. With the momentum shifting back and forth the entire game, either team could have come out on top. It just turned out to be North Penn’s turn this year.

“This is what we worked hard for all season,” said senior quarterback Corey Ernst. “That was one of the toughest games I have ever played if not the toughest. It just shows the character of both teams and that neither team would budge.”

“It was right down to the end,” said senior Ralph Reeves. “Back and forth the whole time. I am just happy we came out on top this time.”

After the Explorers recovered a fumble early on in the game and scored on the ensuing drive to put the first points on the board, North Penn fans started to worry that this game would end up like the last three meetings between the two teams.

But North Penn refused to surrender. The offense did not allow another turnover, the defense stepped up, and the coaches had great play calling to ensure that North Penn would be taking a trip up to Hershey next week.

“There is no better feeling in the world,” said Senior Dan Gevirtz. “This is what our team lives for. It feels so great to get that weight lifted off our shoulders.”

Last year at this time, the two teams played yet another classic in which La Salle came out victorious after an interception to end the game. This time around, however, it seemed to be a déjà vu in reverse as it was La Salle throwing the interception to see their state title hopes come to an end.

In the past it was La Salle’s passing game that hurt the Knights. North Penn knew that was what they had to stop if they wanted any shot at winning.

“We had to stop the pass,” said Reeves. “We know we did alright against them against the run in the past. Everyone was questioning our [defensive] backs, and they stepped up.”

Many people began to question the ability of North Penn and their chances at any kind of run in the playoffs after they started off 1-2, one of those losses to La Salle. But, much like this game, North Penn continued to fight, refusing to lose another game since that start.

“We were down and out at 1-2,” said Ernst. “To come back and win the conference and make a run like this and get a chance to play at Hershey is unbelievable.”

Right before the playoffs started, Fielder suffered a leg injury that many feared to be season ending. However, with hard work and determination, Fielder was back on the field in three weeks and became one of North Penn’s biggest contributors to the state title run.

“It’s everything I wanted,” said Fielder. “To be able to come back and really contribute to the team the way I have is an amazing feeling.”

Next week in Hershey, North Penn will take on Central Dauphin for the state title. Players and fans alike could not be any more excited for the game.

“It’s the greatest feeling in the world,” said an emotional senior T.J. Smink. “There are not words to describe how excited and happy I feel right now. To give back to all the guys who graduated in the past two years. We are going to make sure we make the most of it.”