Doylestown goes into the Rugby Pennsylvania Boys HS Club playoffs almost prohibitive favorites, but Coach Mike McCandless has a cautionary tale for his players.

Sure, Doylestown had beaten all three of the other semifinalists - Saturday’s semifinal opponents West Chester 69-7, and the other two teams 31-7 (Downingtown) and 61-10 (West Shore). But two years ago, it was Doylestown that had lost to its playoff opponent earlier in the season, and then come back to win in the playoffs.

“If we can do it, so can they,” said McCandless. “All of the teams are tough. We expect they will have improved.”

Doylestown is still an impressive team, with a backline led by the halfback hinge of Kevin Reilly and Mike Weir, that scored points. Lots of them. McCandless, of course, says then it will come down to defense.

“Our backs are playing with a lot of confidence, and we’ve got what is still a young group of forwards,” said McCandless. “We will need them to defend well close to the rucks and try to get to the tackle faster than the other team. That’s the key for us.”