No one wants to give Norristown any love.

The Eagles, who reeled off 28 wins in a row to start their season, have been dealing with that stiff reality all season.

Is it because they played a soft nonleague schedule? Is it because their Suburban One League Continental Conference foes posted a combined win percentage of .486?

Maybe, but Norristown coach Mike Evans (pictured, on the bench, with assistant Binky Johnson in the forefront) wants his team to get its dues.

"It's not like we go on what outsiders say," Evans said Friday from State College. "We don't listen because it's mostly negative stuff they're saying. We just think we're a better team than a lot of people say. We don't get the credit that being 32-1 deserves."

Vying for their first state title in 60 years, the Eagles take on Chester Saturday for all the marbles. Playing the Clippers is an opportunity the Eagles welcome, Evans said.

"It's going to come down to who executes," Evans said. "That said, I think we have a chance."