Snap it. Throw it. Catch it. Score.

It's been Seton-LaSalle's recipe for success for the past decade. Behind the strong arms of four all-state quarterbacks, the Rebels have passed more often and for more success than any WPIAL team over that span.

That's why, for those taking in the Rebels game against rival South Park last week, it was quite an odd sight. Not only did the Rebels run the ball extensively, they did so nearly exclusively, attempting just one pass the entire contest.

Could it be true? Is Seton-LaSalle morphing its identity right before our eyes?

Not so fast, Rebels coach Greg Perry said. If you know Perry, you know that throwing the ball is likely the last thing he would ever do away with. But for this Seton-LaSalle team, running the ball has been as integral a part of the game plan as it ever has.

"We've had four all-state quarterbacks in a row," Perry said, referring to former Rebels Bruce Gradkowski, Anthony Doria, Bill Stull and Matt Rodgers. "That sure helps you win a lot of games.

"Sometimes you take things for granted for throwing it around the field like that. But with this team, if we can run the ball and play good defense, we can stay with a lot of teams."

Seton-LaSalle has done just that. After a rocky 2-3 start, the Rebels have begun to jell, and now sit at 5-3 (5-2 in the Class AA Century Conference) heading into tomorrow night's regular-season finale at winless Carlynton at Honus Wagner Field, which coincidentally also serves as Seton's home field.

Having already clinched a playoff berth, the Rebels are locked in a second-place tie with Burgettstown and South Fayette, who all trail conference leader Steel Valley by two games.

Heading into the season, Perry knew that things would be a little different for a Rebels team that was breaking in a horde of new starters, including senior quarterback Patric Capatolla.

Because of that inexperience, Perry decided to put more of the onus on the running game, an area that has received even more emphasis since Capatolla incurred a broken index finger on his throwing hand two weeks ago against South Fayette. Junior Mitch Cunningham got the start against South Park, while Capatolla will likely be out at least three more weeks.

The running game, though, has thrived. Against South Park, the Rebels rumbled for 450 yards in a critical 42-22 win. It was a bit of changeup for Perry, who isn't used to seeing the Rebels run like that.

"I was a little bit in shock," he said. "I'm used to throwing for that much. It's a different perspective for me because I'm not used to that. I think our linemen really liked it because they felt like they were imposing [their will against South Park]."

The successful running attack has been sparked by running back Alex DeConciliis. A 5-foot-7, 155-pound senior, DeConciliis averaged more than 5 yards a carry last season as a backup to Eddie Beveridge, but has burst onto the scene this season with 940 yards and seven touchdowns. His 286-yard effort -- on just 13 carries -- against South Park was one of the finest in the WPIAL this season.

Seton-LaSalle will enter the playoffs in a bit of a different position than in recent years. Usually one of the favorites to win the WPIAL title, the Rebels are flying a little under the radar this year and could surprise a few teams.

It's a situation Perry is embracing.

"Sometimes its nice to not have that big bull's-eye on our back," Perry said. "It might be nice to get in with a 6-3 record because we might be able to sneak up on somebody."The game

What: Seton-LaSalle (5-3, 5-2) at Carlynton (0-8, 0-7).

When: 7:30 p.m. tomorrow.

Where: Honus Wagner Field, Carnegie.

The skinny: Seton-LaSalle clinches a WPIAL Class AA playoff spot with a victory.