Bringing their AAA game

The 2004-05 school year should be dubbed the Year of the Wildcats. In the fall, the Bok Wildcats football team became the first Public League squad to qualify for the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association AAA tournament.

Over the winter, the boys’ basketball team shocked Strawberry Mansion to claim the PIAA District XII crown.

And yesterday, Bok’s baseball team played Franklin Towne Charter in the PIAA District XII AAA championship game, hoping to make it a three-sport streak.

"It’s great, especially after two years of losing seasons," said Bok senior pitcher Robert Lamotta.

The winner of yesterday’s game " which was played after press time "advanced to today’s quarterfinal contest to face the winner of the District XII AA championship game between GAMP and Saul.

"This feels good to be 16-1, and making a run at the Public League championship," said Lamotta, whose team also won the Division B regular-season crown.

The Wildcats advanced to the AAA title contest by beating Furness 12-1 in Monday’s opening-round playoff action. The game was called after five innings due to the 10-run mercy rule. The Falcons finished the regular season a respectable 11-6. As AAA schools, both teams earned automatic postseason bids.

Monday was the first meeting of the season between the South Philly neighbors, as Furness played in Division C. Furness coach Bob Weidinger said his players were confident, but credited Bok for playing the better game.

"Bok is a good team," Weidinger said. "They put the ball in play, and we didn’t make the plays today."

The coach said he was pleased with his team’s effort despite the score.

"These guys have a lot of heart," he said. "You’ve got to be proud of them."

Bok’s Lamotta said his squad’s secret has been its ability to focus.

"[Bok coach Tom DeFelice] always says to think about today and not tomorrow," the senior said. "If we win today, then we can worry about tomorrow."