NEWTOWN SQUARE – There was only so much Springfield could do Saturday.

The Cougars earned the first District 1 championship in program history last week, and the reward in their debut states appearance was a matchup with a Catholic League juggernaut.

That powerhouse was Roman Catholic, led by Akron-bound senior quarterback Semaj Beals, the owner of the District 12 career passing record before he even took a snap this fall. Springfield got a front-row look at how dangerous he can be.

Beals passed for 280 yards and five touchdowns, all in the first half, to lead the Cahillites to a 48-20 win at Marple Newtown in a PIAA Class 5A semifinal.

Roman Catholic (11-3) returns to the state championship game next Friday at Cumberland Valley to face District 3 champion Bishop McDevitt, aiming to fi

See Full Page