The teams look nearly identical on paper.

The Bishop Chatard High School football team is first in Class 3A in defense (allowing 8.2 points per game), and second in scoring (41.6) and scoring margin (plus-33.4).

Norwell, the Trojans' opponent in the state title game at noon today in the RCA Dome, is first in scoring (47.9) and scoring margin (plus-39.4), and second in defense (8.4).

Each has a pair of 1,000-yard rushers. Each has a 1,000-yard passer and two primary receivers. Each defense is led in tackles by a middle linebacker.

And they're nothing alike.

"They are a quarterback-oriented offense that runs the ball," said Bishop Chatard coach Vince Lorenzano, who is looking to lead his program to state-record-tying eighth championship.

"They run a different scheme. Their defense is geared toward speed. We try to be a little more physical. We are a different team."

Norwell won a sectional title in 2004 after a 2-5 start to the season with this same nucleus of skill position players.

Following a 6-5 record last year, the Knights (14-0) have been one of the state's most dominant teams. Only one of its games -- a 23-14 victory over Leo in the season opener -- has been decided by less than 28 points.

Norwell's offense operates primarily out of the I formation but it will use one- and no-back sets to take advantage of what the defense is doing. The unit is built around quarterback Chandler Harnish, a Northern Illinois University recruit, who has accounted for 2,935 yards of total offense (1,345 rushing, 1,490 passing) and 44 touchdowns (24 rushing, 20 passing).

"Chandler's got speed we probably haven't had at the position before," Norwell coach Jeff Miller said.

"(In 2003 and '04) we won back-to-back sectionals, and Jason Schortgen ran the mid-line option very well. The difference is, Jason would get away for a 30-yard gain.

"(This year) we've got great downfield blocking from our receivers, so now those gains are 65-, 70-yard gains.

"We've got multiple weapons. It's just a matter of what Chatard will allow us to do, and we have to make sure we take advantage of it."

Harnish's primary targets are Matt Terhune, a 6-foot-6 tight end who had 30 catches for 560 yards and six touchdowns, and Seth Wanner (38 catches, 532 yards, seven touchdowns). Tailback Cole Hoopingarner has rushed for 1,932 yards and 30 touchdowns.

Bishop Chatard is led by running backs Joe Holland (1,943 yards, 32 touchdowns) and Tyler Kleinschmidt (1,041 yards, 16 touchdowns).

Trojans quarterback Rob Doyle has thrown for 1,040 yards with 15 touchdowns and three interceptions, throwing primarily to Brandon Newbern (21 catches, 382 yards, five touchdowns) and Kyle Dietrick (14-266-6).