Each week Mr. PA Football brings you a preview of the top high school football action in Pennsylvania. The regular season is now over and now it is time for the postseason where the stakes are at the highest. Here’s what you need to know about the state playoff finals this weekend, including #1 La Salle College HS vs. #2 Pittsburgh Central Catholic.
#1 La Salle College HS (12-1) vs. #2 Pittsburgh Central Catholic (13-1)
Saturday 07:00 PM PIAA Class 6A Final
Wow, what a match-up here for the class 6A Title on Saturday! This PIAA Class 6A Championship game is a rematch. The Explorers won the first meeting rather easily by a 23-6 score in the first game of the 2025 season for both teams. La Salle College is #1 in our Power 20 Rankings and comes from District-12 and Pittsburgh Central Catholic is #2 in our Power 20 Rankings and is from District-7. The Explorers routed North Penn 49-14 last Friday night and the Vikings cruised by Harrisburg 32-14 last week. La Salle College has been rolling since the loss to Roman Catholic in September and Pittsburgh Central Catholic has been clicking since the opening season loss to the Explorers.
- Cumberland Valley’s Chapman Stadium on Saturday
- Two excellent coaches face off, La Salle College’s Brett Gordan and Pittsburgh Central Catholic’s Ryan Lehmeier.
Key Players to watch:
La Salle College HS:
- Senior QB Gavin Sidwar, a Missouri recruit
- 5-Star Senior WR/CB Joey O’Brien, a Notre Dame commit
- 4-Star Senior OT Grayson McKeogh, a Notre Dame recruit
- Senior RB Desmond Ortiz, a Brown commit
- Senior TE/WR John-Patrick Oates, a James Madison recruit
- Sophomore WR Owen Johnson
- Junior RB Ahzir Nelson
- Junior CB/WR Trey Hopkins
- Senior LB Cooper Heilig
Pittsburgh Central Catholic:
- Senior DE/LB Ashton Blatt, a North Carolina recruit
- Senior LB/TE Colsen Gatten, a Duke commit
- Senior WR/FS Maceo Watkins, Jr., a Navy recruit
- Senior C Matt Bowers, a Princeton commit
- 4-Star Junior OT Jimmy Kalis
- Junior LB/RB Roman Thompson
- 4-Star Junior OT James Halter, a Notre Dame recruit
- Junior OG Jon Sassic
- Junior CB/WR Zachary Gleason, Jr.
- Sophomore Chrys Black RB/DB
- Sophomore QB Owen Herrick
Keys to the game:
Both teams have aggressive and nasty defenses and have balanced offenses. The Vikings arguably have the best offensive line in the state. Therefore, we expect the coaches to lean on the big offensive line in the second half. This clash will be won at the line of scrimmage and the team that plays sound fundamental football and minimizes costly mistakes will come out on top. My other key to the game is stopping the oppositions running game, playing under control, and eliminating explosive plays. It is very important to play smart and disciplined football on both sides of the football.
This is a really tough prediction and we expect another very tight game this week. Pittsburgh Central Catholic will definitely make this championship game more competitive than the first game. We think that the Explorers have the slight advantage at the skill positions and the edge at quarterback with Sidwar and his experience in the big stage. We think that the wildcard and the deciding factor will be 5-Star Joey O’Brien and we have the Explorers over the Vikings 33-24 in the rematch on Saturday night.
#1 Roman Catholic (11-3) vs. #2 Bishop McDevitt (12-2)
Friday 07:00 PM PIAA Class 5A Final
Another enormous game here in the State Finals and a rematch of last year’s Class 5A Championship! Bishop McDevitt won last year’s championship game in dramatic fashion with 34-31 victory in overtime. Roman Catholic is making their second appearance in the State Final and definitely would love to avenge last season’s heartbreaking defeat. Roman Catholic #3 in our Power 20 Rankings and is from District-12 and Bishop McDevitt is #6 in our Power 20 Rankings and represents District-3. The Cahillites pummeled Springfield-Delco 48-20 last Saturday and the Crusaders edged Peters Township 31-28 on a walk-off field goal last week. Both teams are coming into the contest red-hot, with Roman Catholic posting seven straight victories and Bishop McDevitt posting twelve straight wins.
- Cumberland Valley’s Chapman Stadium on Friday
- Two superb coaches face off, Roman Catholic’s Rick Prete and Bishop McDevitt’s Jeff Weachter.
Key Players to watch:
Roman Catholic:
- Senior QB Samaj Beals, an Akron recruit
- Senior WR/DB Eyan Stead, a Temple commit
- Senior WR Ash Roberts, a Temple recruit
- Senior DT/DE Antwan Smith-Ray, Jr., an Akron commit
- Senior CB/RB Justus Gaskin, a Stony Brook recruit
- Senior DE/LB Julian Enoch
- Junior WR/CB Eisa Nealy
- Junior LB Walter Hudson
- Sophomore RB/DB Tre Montgomery
Bishop McDevitt:
- Senior RB/LB Nazir Jones-Davis, an Eastern Michigan commit
- Senior LB/RB Maurice Barnes, Jr.
- Senior WR/DB Ishmael Palmer
- Senior LB R.J. Duffy
- Junior QB Sebastian Williams
- Junior WR/DB Jontai Quick
- Sophomore RB Jerome Larue, Jr.
Keys to the game:
Both teams have high powered balanced offenses with powerful running games and aggressive, hard hitting defenses. In addition, each team is firing on all cylinders right now and the offenses are producing a ton of points. We believe the biggest key to the game is shutting down the oppositions rushing attack and preventing explosive plays, especially, in the passing game. The other key to the game is playing disciplined fundamental football and eliminating costly penalties and turnovers.
This contest could go either way but, we think the Cahillites pull out a close one against a very talented Bishop McDevitt team that has been clicking throughout the second half of the season and the playoffs. The poise and senior leadership of Roman Catholic quarterback Beals will be the difference in this championship game. Roman Catholic uses motivation from last year’s defeat and gets revenge on the Crusaders this time. The Cahillites come out on top 34-28 and secure their first State Title on Friday night.
#1 Twin Valley (14-0) vs. #2 Southern Lehigh (14-1)
Thursday 07:00 PM PIAA Class 4A Final
Both teams are making their first appearance to PIAA State Finals and it should be a whale of a game on Thursday. Twin Valley is #5 in our Power 20 Rankings and comes from District-3 and Southern Lehigh is #19 in our Power 20 Rankings and is from District-11. Twin Valley held on to beat Aliquippa 28-24 last Friday to remain unbeaten and Southern Lehigh rallied to defeat Cardinal O’Hara 28-24 last week. It seemed like these teams were on a collision course this season. The Raiders and the Spartans have both been ranked as the top team in class 4A throughout out the season and were jockeying for the top spot. Now it is time to settle who is the best on the field!
- Cumberland Valley’s Chapman Stadium on Thursday
- Two outstanding coaches square off, Twin Valley’s Brett Myers and Southern Lehigh’s Phil Sams.
Key Players to watch:
Twin Valley:
- Senior RB/FS Drew Engle
- Senior WR/CB Ben Grundy
- Senior OG/DE Greyson Miller
- Junior RB/LB Lucas Myers
- Sophomore QB Maverick Foster
Southern Lehigh:
- Junior QB Colton Sams
- Senior RB/LB Sean Steckert
- Senior LB Jacoby Jacobs
- Senior WR Luke Kawczenski
- Senior WR Darus Roman
- Senior CB Samad Harriatt
Keys to the game:
Both teams have high powered offenses with punishing running games and sound, hard hitting defenses. We believe the biggest key to the game is shutting down the oppositions rushing attack and limiting chunk plays. Another key to the game is which team can establish the run early and win the line of scrimmage. The team who can get their respective high-powered running games clicking and the more physical team will win. The last key to the game is playing disciplined fundamental football and protecting the football.
This is a tough one to call, but we like the Raiders to pull away from the Spartans late in the fourth quarter. Twin Valley’s magical season continues with a 27-17 victory in the State Championship and claims their first State Title.
#1 Avonworth (14-0) vs. #2 Northwestern Lehigh (15-0)
Saturday 01:00 PM PIAA Class 3A Final
This should be a really exciting game in the PIAA Class 3A Finals and a giant rematch of last year’s Championship! Northwestern Lehigh won last year’s championship thriller 36-33 in overtime. Avonworth is #14 in our Power 20 Rankings and is from District-7 and Northwestern Lehigh is #15 in our Power 20 Rankings and comes from District-11. Avonworth defeated Penn Cambria 31-15 last week to reach the Final and Northwestern Lehigh crushed Trinity 48-13 last Friday. Both squads have powerful running games and play sound fundamental defense. Each team hasn’t been truly tested this season and have beaten the opponents with ease this year.
- Cumberland Valley’s Chapman Stadium on Saturday
- Two veteran coaches face off, Avonworth’s Duke Johncour and Northwestern Lehigh’s Josh Snyder.
Key Players to watch:
Avonworth:
- Senior OT/DT Peter Bonnet, a Navy recruit
- Senior QB/P Carson Bellinger
- Senior ATH/LB/SS Luca Neal
- Junior LB/RB Bryce Metz
- Senior LB/TE Evan Loutzenhiser
Northwestern Lehigh:
- Senior QB/FS Shane Leh
- Senior WR/LB Mason Bollinger
- Senior RB/LB Braxton Lakatosh
- Senior LB/TE Shane Hulmes
- Junior LB/WR Brady Zimmerman
- Junior WR/LB Michael Lagowy
Keys to the game:
This battle will be won in the trenches. The team who can get their respective high-powered running games clicking and the more physical team will win. Another key to the game is stopping the oppositions rushing attack and preventing chunk plays. The last key to the game is playing smart and disciplined football on both sides of the football and forcing turnovers. It is always very important to eliminate the mistakes and unforced errors in a championship game.
This championship game is really tough to predict and it should be another outstanding finish just like the last matchup. Can either defense slow down these potent offenses? This time the Antelopes pull out a squeaker over the Tigers in this highly anticipated rematch from last year. We have Avonworth winning over Northwestern Lehigh in a nail-biter 29-28.
#1 Farrell (13-2) vs. #2 Southern Columbia (14-1)
Friday 01:00 PM PIAA Class 2A Final
This matchup should be another fantastic game in the PIAA Class 2A Finals. Legendary Southern Columbia Head Coach Jim Roth and his Tigers will be playing in their 23rd state championship game on Friday. Coach Roth will be attempting to win an unprecedented 15th title. The Tigers streak of eight straight State Championships was broken last season. This will be Farrell’s first Class 2A State Championship appearance and the Steelers seventh overall in the State Final. Farrell has beaten Southern Columbia twice in the State Championship with victories back in 1995 and 1996.
Farrell is listed as a team to watch in our Power 20 Rankings and comes from District-10 and Southern Columbia is also listed as a team to watch in our Power 20 Rankings and is out of District-4. Farrell routed Seton LaSalle 40-19 last Saturday and Southern Columbia creamed Lansdale Catholic 24-7 last week to reach the Final. Both teams have potent offenses and have stubborn and aggressive defenses.
- Cumberland Valley’s Chapman Stadium on Friday
- Two outstanding coaches square off, Farrell’s Anthony Pegues and Southern Columbia’s legendary Coach Jim Roth.
Key Players to watch:
Farrell:
- Senior RB/SS Juelz Johnson
- Senior WR/FS Jamauri Jones
- Senior LB/RB Rhashaud Dunbar
- Junior QB Aaron Pegues
- Junior WR/DB Jadon King-Vincent
- Junior LB Dorean Cain
- Sophomore LB/RB Jason Marshall II
Southern Columbia:
- Senior RB/FS Brayden Andrews
- Senior LB/FB Talon Piatt
- Senior DE/TE Ethan Makowski
- Senior OT/DT John Quinton
- Junior QB Ayden Hockenbroch
- Junior WR/DB Blaise Kissinger
- Junior TE/WR Jace Malakoski
- Junior DB Kaden Zachman
- Sophomore RB Grady Garcia
Keys to the game:
We believe the biggest key to the game is playing sound fundamental football and eliminating mistakes. The other key to the game is stopping the oppositions running game and limiting explosive plays, especially, in the passing game. Farrell gets a ton of chunk plays in the passing game. The last key to the game is it is very important to play smart and disciplined football on both sides of the football and win the battle in the trenches.
This is a tough one to predict in this unique matchup and we think this will be a terrific game. We are picking Southern Columbia 27-23 in a slight upset because of their experience in the big stage. The experience and Coach Roth’s leadership will be the difference in a very close game. Coach Roth and his Tigers find a way to get the victory and claim their 15th State Title.
#1 Clairton (14-1) vs. #2 Bishop Guilfoyle (13-2)
Thursday 01:00 PM PIAA Class 1A Final
This should be a fantastic game in the PIAA Class 1A Finals. This is the first time Clairton has been to the State Finals since 2016 when the Bears lost to the Marauders, 17-0, in the Class 1A State Title game. Clairton has won 14 straight after losing the opening game to Imani Christian Academy. This will be Bear’s eighth trip to the state finals and they have a 4-3 record in State Championship games. The last time Clairton won a State Title was in 2012 over Dunmore. Bishop Guilfoyle, the defending Class 1A State Champions, are in the State Finals for a seventh time and post an impressive 5-1 record in State Championship games.
Clairton is listed as a team to watch in our Power 20 Rankings and is from District-7 and Bishop Guilfoyle is also listed as a team to watch in our Power 20 Rankings and comes from District-6. Clairton clobbered Greenville 57-0 last Saturday and Bishop Guilfoyle smashed Belmont Charter 35-0 last week. The Bears have blown out opponents all season long and have shut 10 opponents. Clairton has a punishing running game and a suffocating physical defense. Bishop Guilfoyle has an efficient balanced offense with an aggressive stout defense.
- Cumberland Valley’s Chapman Stadium on Thursday
- Two tremendous coaches face off, Clairton’s Wayne Wade and Bishop Guilfoyle’s Justin Wheeler.
Key Players to watch:
Clairton:
- Senior QB Jeffery Thompson III
- Senior RB/LB Deon Lovelace-Pompey
- Senior DE/TE Tahvaz Armstrong
- Senior WR/CB Taris Wooding
- Senior CB/RB/ATH Donte Wright
- Senior ATH/WR/RB Michael Ruffin
- Junior LB Darren Pinson
- Sophomore WR/LB Brandon Murphy, Jr.
Bishop Guilfoyle:
- Senior RB/ATH/LB Jake Kissell
- Senior WR/DB Tyson Lestochi
- Senior OL/DE Hayden Hosgood
- Junior OL/DL Rocco Cacciotti
- Sophomore QB/DB Justin Wheeler
Keys to the game:
We believe the biggest key to the game is shutting down the oppositions rushing attack and preventing explosive plays in both the running and passing game. Another key to the game is which team can establish the run early and win the line of scrimmage. The last key to the game is playing disciplined fundamental football and eliminating costly penalties and protecting the football and reducing turnovers.
This is another tough game to call and we think this will be a really competitive game. We are picking the Bears to pull away from the Marauders in the second half and win 35-20. We think Clairton’s firepower on offense will be too much for Bishop Guilfoyle to overcome. The Bears explosive balanced attack on offense will be the difference. Clairton claims their first State Title since 2012.
