The NorChester Bulldogs have established themselves as a state power over the last several years. They've all but dominated southeastern PA's Region 3 over that time, garnering several regional championships. The only thing that has stood in their way from their first state championship has seemingly been another state power, and local rival, Boyertown. The Bears have eliminated NorChester late in the state tournament several times over the past couple of years. This year, with Boyertown looking a bit more vulnerable than in years past, many believed the state title was Norchester's for the taking.
Things started off well for the Bulldogs, who clinched the Chester County League regular season title, edging out another local rival, the Spring City Red Sox. Spring City, another team thought to be a state title contender, showed they were a force to be reckoned with as they beat out NorChester for the league's postseason title. By virtue of the league having two regional berths, both teams advanced to the PA Region 3 Tournament in Warminster.
NorChester opened against the hosts, beating them 8-0 in the tournament's fourth game. The Bulldogs ran into trouble in their second game, when Greater Norristown League champion JP Mascaro soundly defeated them by six, 7-1, in the second day's nightcap. NorChester had had their backs to the wall many times before, so while the team was probably a bit on edge, they had to have known that they were still one big loss away from an early ending to their season.
Fellow Chester County foe Spring City had dropped their opener, so much like all good rivalry stories do, this one ended with another great twist. Spring City and NorChester, two of the top teams in the state, were slated to play one another in a do or die situation. One team's season would be extended by at least a day, with the other ending their's in surprising fashion.
Spring City flexed its muscles again, topping NorChester 9-6 in game ten. Just like that, a team many had penciled in for a National Regional trip was done with just one win in state regionals. Spring City continued its run, winning the Region 3 Tournament and then won the 2010 PA State Championship.
While this season ended in disappointment, and was certainly one of the biggest stories in the state this year, NorChester will come back in 2011 reloaded and gunning for a bigger run in the state playoffs.
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