La Salle Prepares for Crucial PIAA 6A Quarterfinal Showdown

La Salle College High School’s football team is gearing up for a pivotal PIAA Class 6A quarterfinal match against Easton on November 3, 2023, at Bethlehem Area School District Stadium. The Explorers, under the guidance of head coach Brett Gordon, are ready to face a formidable opponent that has gone undefeated this season, boasting a record of 13-0.

Gordon has a personal connection to the Bethlehem area, having spent considerable time there due to family ties. His wife, Tanya, grew up in the city, and he has coached numerous games at BASD Stadium. “My in-laws can see the lights of the stadium from their house,” he noted. This familiarity with the local football culture adds an interesting layer to the upcoming matchup.

Having previously served as an assistant coach at La Salle, this will be Gordon’s first appearance at the helm in a playoff setting. He respects the traditions of football in the Lehigh Valley, particularly Easton, noting, “Lehigh Valley football is incredibly serious. They take their football seriously, and there’s a lot of pride in their communities and their teams.”

Easton recently clinched the District 11 6A title with a decisive 42-17 victory over Parkland, showcasing their strength as a cohesive unit. Gordon expressed admiration for their performance, stating, “I see very few weaknesses anywhere,” and highlighted the talents of Easton’s quarterback, Cole Ordway, calling him a “dynamic playmaker.”

La Salle, which has a record of 10-1 this season, is coming off a significant victory in which they ended the long-standing dominance of St. Joe’s Prep in District 12. The Explorers have a rich history in playoff matchups, with a 4-1 record against District 11 champions. They previously faced Easton in 2009 and 2010, winning both encounters.

Gordon sees parallels between the two programs, noting that both are in similar stages of development. “There are a lot of parallels and similarities,” he remarked, referring to both teams’ progress over the past few years. The Explorers aim to continue their momentum, having faced a challenging schedule that included tough opponents such as Pittsburgh Central Catholic and St. Joe’s Prep.

As the game approaches, Gordon emphasizes the importance of maintaining high standards within the program, stating, “Our team has high standards for itself.” He believes the Explorers have worked hard to reach this point and are ready to showcase their skills in a competitive environment.

The matchup is expected to draw significant attention, with a strong turnout anticipated at BASD Stadium. Gordon expressed enthusiasm for playing at this venue, stating, “That’s my favorite venue in the entire state.” With family and friends nearby, he is eager to make the most of this opportunity.

Looking ahead, the winner of this quarterfinal will advance to face the District 1 champion, either North Penn or Pennridge, in the semifinals. Both teams are aiming not only for victory but also for a chance to continue their journeys in the state tournament.

As the kickoff approaches at 19:00, the stakes are high for both La Salle and Easton. Each team is determined to make their mark and secure a place in the next round of the playoffs.