(cover photo of Gavin Derrickson via Dylan Johnson/DBN)

CHICHESTER, PA — The Chichester Eagles and Hatboro-Horsham Hatters face off at Neumann University in a do-or-die PIAA District 1 5A playback game for the final state playoff spot.

The 1st-seeded Eagles (15-6) lost 11-0 to Upper Dublin in the semifinals, while the 11th-seeded Hatters (9-13) lost a 4-3 extra-innings thriller to Radnor. With both teams vying for a state tournament berth, this Tuesday’s showdown promises high intensity.

Chichester, champions of the Del Val League, entered the playoffs as the top seed but were shut out by Upper Dublin’s pitcher Luke Caron, managing just one hit–a leadoff double by Cole Sanford. Their quarterfinal win over Strath Haven (6-2) showcased their depth, with two-run doubles from Logan Werley and Cole Sandord, plus five strong innings from Gavin Derrickson, who allowed no earned runs. 

Hatboro-Horsham, a Suburban One League Continental contender, upset West Chester East 6-2 and Upper Moreland 6-1, where Junior Shane Mills threw 5.2 innings with six strikeouts and no earned runs, before falling to Radnor in a walk-off loss driven by Zach Fein’s grounder. 

With both teams’ pitching staffs rested for this elimination game, Chichester is likely to start junior pitcher Gavin Derrickson, who threw five innings with two earned runs against Strath Haven. His command can challenge the Hatter’s bats, with Cole Sanford or Zach Murray available in relief. Offensively, Sanford, Werley, and Evan Valentine are the Eagles’ spark plugs, blending speed and power to ignite rallies.

Hatboro-Horsham is likely to start Ursinus recruit Jaime O’Neill, who threw six strong innings against West Chester East in the first round. It could also be Shane Mills, who dominated Upper Moreland with 5.2 innings, six strikeouts, and no earned runs. His mid-80s fastball and sharp curve make him a tough matchup for Chichester’s lineup.

Conner Cataldi could provide relief to change the look. The Hatters’ offense, led by O’Neill, shortstop Cole Incudine, center fielder Chase Canney, and second baseman Dom Rapino (DeSales commit), brings contact hitting and gap power to test Chichester’s defense.

Chichester’s strategy is to reignite their offense after being stifled by Upper Dublin, using Sanford and Werley’s hitting to pressure O’Neill/Mills early, while Derrickson aims to limit the Hatters’ speed. Hatboro-Horsham will look to ride Mills’ dominance, work counts against Derrickson, and lean on O’Neill, Incudine, Canney, and Rapino to drive rallies, as they did in their upsets. With both teams facing elimination, execution will be critical.

Chichester’s top seed and home-field advantage with the game still being played in their area give them a slight edge, but Hatboro-Horsham’s upset pedigree make this a toss-up.  First pitch is at 4 PM at Neumann, expect a fierce battle.