The playoffs are here, and teams across Pennsylvania are beginning their pursuit of district championships and a shot at advancing through the postseason. Mr. PA Football is bringing you three marquee matchups, including a District 6-8-10 Class 6A subregional semifinal as Altoona visits McDowell, a District-4 Class 4A semifinal showdown between Jersey Shore and Shamokin, and a District-1 Class 6A first-round matchup as Coatesville travels to Central Bucks South.
Here’s our look at the biggest games across Pennsylvania.
Altoona (6-4) @ McDowell (7-3)
Friday 7:00 PM District 6-8-10 PIAA Class 6A Subregional Semifinals
McDowell continues its postseason Friday night when the Trojans host Altoona in the District 6-8-10 Class 6A subregional semifinals. McDowell enters at 7-3 after capturing its ninth consecutive District-10 Class 6A championship with a 55-21 victory over Erie. Altoona comes in at 6-4 and will look to challenge the Trojans on the road.
Junior quarterback Evan Kuhn leads McDowell’s offense, while junior wide receiver James Feronti gives the Trojans another experienced playmaker. Kuhn threw five touchdown passes and added a rushing touchdown in the district championship victory. Junior linebacker/running back Andrew Tarasovitch provided a defensive spark in the district championship win, returning two interceptions for touchdowns.
Altoona junior quarterback Mekhi Jackson directs the Mountain Lions’ offense after throwing two touchdown passes and adding a rushing touchdown in last week’s 35–28 victory over Cumberland Valley. Senior running back/defensive end Yasir Boyle and senior wide receiver Noah Stump are two additional key players to watch as Altoona looks to advance.
- McDowell hosts Altoona on Friday night at James Conner Field, renamed earlier this year in honor of the former Trojans standout and NFL running back.
- McDowell head coach Aaron Slocum and Altoona head coach Vince Nedimyer Jr. lead their teams into Friday night’s subregional semifinal.
Key Players to watch:
Altoona
- Junior QB/CB Mekhi Jackson
- Senior RB/DE Yasir Boyle
- Senior WR/CB Noah Stump
McDowell
- Junior QB/CB Evan Kuhn
- Junior WR/CB James Feronti
- Junior LB/RB Andrew Tarasovitch
Keys to the game: McDowell will look to establish its offense behind Kuhn and Feronti, while Altoona needs to limit explosive plays and create pressure. The Trojans’ championship experience and offensive production give them the advantage. We have McDowell over Altoona, 35-27.
Jersey Shore (5-5) @ Shamokin (8-2)
Friday 7:00 PM District-4 PIAA Class 4A Semifinals
Jersey Shore travels to Shamokin Friday night for a District-4 Class 4A semifinal matchup. The Bulldogs enter at 5-5 after closing the regular season with a 53-27 victory over Central Mountain, while Shamokin is 8-2 following consecutive losses to Blue Mountain and Mount Carmel. The Indians defeated Jersey Shore 35-14 in their Week 4 meeting, but the Bulldogs will look to make the rematch more competitive.
Jersey Shore quarterback Nolen Pauling accounted for six touchdowns against Central Mountain, throwing four touchdown passes and adding two rushing scores. Junior wide receiver Carter Rhinehart hauled in 10 receptions, while Khani McCray added five catches for 103 yards and a touchdown.
Shamokin’s injury situation remains an important storyline heading into Friday’s matchup. Following the Mount Carmel game, head coach Marc Persing said senior quarterback Logan Steele would play the following week after suffering a hand injury. Senior running back/linebacker Noah Ringes, who has been sidelined with a broken collarbone since the Week 4 meeting with Jersey Shore, was expected to resume practicing this week, leaving his availability for Friday unresolved. Senior wide receiver/defensive back/kicker Colin Steinhart also left the Mount Carmel game with a possible high ankle sprain, and his status for Friday is uncertain. Freshman Evan Pancher scored Shamokin’s lone touchdown against Mount Carmel while playing quarterback, while freshman Sheldon Sassani led the Indians in receiving.
- Jersey Shore head coach Tom Gravish faces Shamokin head coach Marc Persing in Friday night’s District-4 semifinal.
- Jersey Shore visits Shamokin at Kemp Memorial Stadium on Friday night.
Key Players to Watch:
Jersey Shore
- Junior QB/S Nolen Pauling
- Junior WR/DB/P Carter Rhinehart
- Senior RB/DE Zeke Sechrist
Shamokin
- Senior RB/LB Noah Ringes
- Senior WR/DB/K Colin Steinhart
- Senior QB/ATH/DB Logan Steele, a Wake Forest commit
Keys to the Game: Jersey Shore will look to build on its offensive momentum behind Pauling and its passing attack. Shamokin’s ability to get production from its available personnel and manage its injury situation will be critical. We have Shamokin over Jersey Shore, 31-24.
Coatesville (6-4) @ Central Bucks South (6-4)
Friday 7:00 PM District-1 PIAA Class 6A First Round
Coatesville travels to Central Bucks South Friday night for a District-1 Class 6A first-round matchup. The ninth-seeded Red Raiders enter following a 38-21 victory over Bishop Shanahan, while the eighth-seeded Titans are coming off a 21-14 win over Pennridge. Both teams finished the regular season 6-4, setting up an important playoff opener.
Coatesville features a talented offensive core led by senior quarterback Mikal Shank Jr. and junior running back Andre Watson Jr., who has rushed for more than 1,700 yards this season. Senior offensive lineman Max Hiller, a Florida commit, headlines the Red Raiders’ offensive front. Senior interior offensive lineman C.J. Miller, a UAlbany commit, gives Coatesville another experienced presence up front.
Central Bucks South is led by senior running back/linebacker Gavin Graham, who rushed for 74 yards and scored twice on the ground while adding a receiving touchdown against Pennridge. Senior linebacker Javin Kube anchors the defense, while senior Colin White provides another important presence for the Titans.
- Coatesville head coach Matt Ortega faces Central Bucks South head coach Tom Hetrick.
- Central Bucks South hosts Coatesville at Titan Stadium on Friday night.
Key Players to Watch:
Coatesville
- Senior QB Mikal Shank Jr.
- Junior RB Andre Watson Jr.
- Senior OT Max Hiller (Florida commit)
- Senior OG/NG J. Miller (UAlbany recruit)
Central Bucks South
- Senior RB/LB Gavin Graham
- Senior LB/RB Javin Kube
- Senior RB/LB Colin White
Keys to the Game: Coatesville will look to use its talented offensive line to establish the running game and give Shank time to operate. Central Bucks South will counter with Graham and an experienced defense. We have Coatesville over Central Bucks South, 31-27.
Quick Hitters Preview
Big School Class 4A-6A
Central Bucks East (6-4) @ Ridley (8-2) 7:00 PM District-1 PIAA Class 6A First Round
Central Bucks East travels to Ridley for a District-1 Class 6A first-round matchup. Ridley enters as the No. 7 seed, while Central Bucks East holds the No. 10 seed. Head coach Dave Wood’s Raiders will look to control possession and make Central Bucks East work for its scoring opportunities.
Owen J. Roberts (6-4) @ Plymouth Whitemarsh (8-1) 7:00 PM District-1 PIAA Class 6A First Round
No. 12 Owen J. Roberts visits No. 5 Plymouth Whitemarsh in a District-1 Class 6A playoff opener. Senior running back Mike Giangiulio and senior quarterback Cole Reilly lead the Colonials’ ground attack after combining for three rushing touchdowns in last week’s 56-14 win over Bensalem. The Wildcats will need to contain both runners and force Plymouth Whitemarsh into longer passing situations.
Council Rock South (6-3) @ Downingtown West (8-2) 7:00 PM Saturday District-1 PIAA Class 6A First Round
Council Rock South travels to Downingtown West on Saturday for a District-1 Class 6A first-round matchup. The Golden Hawks are the No. 11 seed, while the Whippets enter as the No. 6 seed. Head coach C.J. Szydlik’s Golden Hawks bring a four-game winning streak into the playoffs after rebounding from three consecutive losses earlier in the season.
Strath Haven (7-3) @ Interboro (9-1) 7:00 PM District-1 PIAA Class 5A First Round
Strath Haven travels to Interboro for a District-1 Class 5A first-round matchup. The Panthers hold the No. 9 seed, while the Buccaneers enter as the No. 8 seed. Head coach Kevin Clancy will look for his Panthers to control possession and limit Interboro’s scoring opportunities on the road.
West Chester East (6-4) @ #10 (5A) Garnet Valley (9-1) 7:00 PM District-1 PIAA Class 5A First Round
West Chester East visits Garnet Valley in a District-1 Class 5A first-round matchup. The Jaguars enter No. 10 in PennLive’s Class 5A state rankings and hold the No. 4 district seed, while the Vikings are seeded No. 13. Quarterback Logan Cummings leads a West Chester East offense that scored 35 points against unbeaten Great Valley in last week’s loss.
West Chester Rustin (5-4) @ #9 (5A) Great Valley (10-0) 7:00 PM District-1 PIAA Class 5A First Round
West Chester Rustin travels to Great Valley for a District-1 Class 5A first-round matchup between Ches-Mont programs. Great Valley enters No. 9 in PennLive’s Class 5A state rankings and holds the No. 3 district seed, while Rustin is seeded No. 14. Head coach Gary Phillips’ Patriots completed the first undefeated regular season in program history with last week’s 45-35 victory over West Chester East.
Cumberland Valley (5-5) @ Penn Manor (6-4) 7:00 PM District-3 PIAA Class 6A First Round
Cumberland Valley faces Penn Manor at Millersville University in a District-3 Class 6A playoff opener. The Eagles hold the No. 9 seed, while the Comets enter as the No. 8 seed. Head coach Jordan Clark’s Comets will look to protect the football and finish scoring drives against Cumberland Valley.
Hershey (6-4) @ Exeter Township (8-2) 7:00 PM District-3 PIAA Class 5A First Round
Hershey travels to Exeter Township for a District-3 Class 5A first-round matchup. Exeter enters as the No. 5 seed, while Hershey holds the No. 12 seed. Head coach Matt Bauer’s Eagles will look to establish control at the line of scrimmage and keep Hershey from settling into an offensive rhythm.
Gateway (5-5) @ West Allegheny (6-4) 7:00 PM District-7 WPIAL Class 5A First Round
No. 12 Gateway visits No. 5 West Allegheny in a WPIAL Class 5A first-round rematch. The Indians defeated Gateway 49-10 during the regular season. Quarterback Mason Bryan and Brodie Cornell helped drive that victory, with Cornell scoring twice on the ground and intercepting two passes.
Pocono Mountain East (6-4) @ Pleasant Valley (6-4) 6:10 PM Thursday District-11 PIAA Class 5A Semifinals
Pocono Mountain East visits Pleasant Valley on Thursday with a District-11 Class 5A championship berth at stake. Both teams enter at 6-4, with Pocono Mountain East holding the No. 3 seed and Pleasant Valley the No. 2 seed. Head coach Blaec Saeger’s Bears will look to sustain drives and limit mistakes with a trip to the final on the line.
Lehighton (7-3) @ Pottsville (7-3) 1:10 PM Saturday District-11 PIAA Class 4A Quarterfinals
Lehighton travels to Pottsville on Saturday afternoon for a District-11 Class 4A quarterfinal matchup. Both teams enter at 7-3, with Lehighton holding the No. 5 seed and Pottsville the No. 4 seed. Head coach Mike Brennan’s Crimson Tide will look to establish an early rhythm and keep Lehighton from controlling the tempo.
Saucon Valley (6-4) @ Allentown Central Catholic (6-4) 7:00 PM District-11 PIAA Class 4A Quarterfinals
Saucon Valley faces Allentown Central Catholic at J. Birney Crum Stadium in a District-11 Class 4A quarterfinal. Both teams enter at 6-4, with the Panthers holding the No. 6 seed and the Vikings the No. 3 seed. Head coach Jake Reichard’s Vikings will look to protect the football and make the most of their scoring opportunities.
Cocalico (6-4) @ Dover (8-2) 7:00 PM District-3 PIAA Class 5A First Round
Cocalico enters as the No. 9 seed and travels to No. 8 seed Dover looking to turn a road playoff opener into an upset. Dover brings an 8-2 record into the District-3 Class 5A first-round matchup against the 6-4 Eagles. Head coach Bryan Strohl will look for Cocalico to sustain drives and finish possessions with touchdowns, keeping pressure on the home team.
Hempfield (5-5) @ Cedar Crest (7-3) 7:00 PM District-3 PIAA Class 6A First Round
Hempfield gets a fresh start in the postseason as the No. 10 seed visits No. 7 seed Cedar Crest. The Black Knights will look to put their 5-5 regular season behind them against a Falcons team that enters the District-3 Class 6A opener at 7-3. Head coach Nick Lambros will look for Cedar Crest to take control early, while Hempfield needs to avoid costly mistakes that could put it in a hole on the road.
Easton (5-5) @ Bethlehem Freedom (7-3) 7:05 PM District-11 PIAA Class 6A Quarterfinals
Easton faces Bethlehem Freedom at BASD Stadium in a District-11 Class 6A quarterfinal. The Red Rovers hold the No. 5 seed, while the Patriots enter as the No. 4 seed. Head coach Jason Roeder’s Patriots will look to limit Easton’s explosive plays and make the Red Rovers work through extended drives.
Small School Class 1A-3A
Windber (5-5) @ Meyersdale (6-4) 7:00 PM District-5 PIAA Class 1A Semifinals
Windber visits Meyersdale with a District-5 Class 1A championship berth on the line. The Red Raiders enter as the No. 2 seed, while the Ramblers hold the No. 3 seed. Head coach Ryan Donaldson’s Red Raiders will look to control possession and keep Windber from building momentum.
Central Cambria (8-2) @ #9 (3A) Cambria Heights (10-0) 7:00 PM District-6 PIAA Class 3A Semifinals
Central Cambria visits unbeaten Cambria Heights in a District-6 Class 3A semifinal. The Highlanders enter No. 9 in PennLive’s Class 3A state rankings and hold the No. 2 district seed, while the Red Devils are seeded No. 3. Senior running back Ryan Chappell helped Central Cambria clinch its first playoff berth in six years by rushing for 237 yards and four touchdowns against Somerset on Oct. 23.
Shady Side Academy (5-5) @ Belle Vernon (9-1) 7:00 PM District-7 WPIAL Class 3A First Round
Shady Side Academy visits Belle Vernon in a WPIAL Class 3A first-round matchup. The Leopards enter as the No. 4 seed, while Shady Side Academy holds the No. 13 seed. Senior running back Chace Petrosky brings a versatile scoring threat after producing rushing, receiving and punt-return touchdowns in an October win over Southmoreland.
Waynesburg Central (8-2) @ Aliquippa (6-3) 7:00 PM District-7 WPIAL Class 3A First Round
Waynesburg Central travels to Aliquippa for a WPIAL Class 3A playoff opener. The Quips enter as the No. 7 seed, while the Raiders hold the No. 10 seed. Quarterback Teagen Crouse gives Waynesburg a dual-threat centerpiece after throwing four touchdown passes and running for three scores in last week’s 55-8 win over Valley.
Riverside (6-3) @ Ligonier Valley (8-2) 7:00 PM District-7 WPIAL Class 2A First Round
No. 10 Riverside visits No. 7 Ligonier Valley in a WPIAL Class 2A first-round matchup. The Rams are hosting their first WPIAL playoff game since rejoining the league in 2020, with the contest set for Weller Field. Head coach Roger Beitel’s Rams will look to turn that home-field opportunity into a strong start and keep Riverside from controlling the tempo.
Monessen (7-3) @ Jeannette (7-3) 7:00 PM District-7 WPIAL Class 1A First Round
No. 10 Monessen visits No. 7 Jeannette in a WPIAL Class 1A playoff opener between teams with matching 7-3 records. Jeannette is seeking a third consecutive trip to at least the WPIAL quarterfinals. Head coach Tommy Paulone Jr.’s Jayhawks will look to limit Monessen’s big plays and take advantage of playing at McKee Stadium.
Northgate (7-3) @ California (8-2) 7:00 PM District-7 WPIAL Class 1A First Round
Northgate travels to California for a WPIAL Class 1A first-round matchup. The Trojans enter as the No. 6 seed, while the Flames hold the No. 11 seed. Northgate quarterback Devontae Smith brings a running and passing threat, while California counters with quarterback Brandon Meier.
Burgettstown (8-2) @ Bethlehem-Center (9-1) 7:00 PM District-7 WPIAL Class 1A First Round
Burgettstown visits Bethlehem-Center in a WPIAL Class 1A playoff opener. The Bulldogs enter as the No. 8 seed, while Burgettstown holds the No. 9 seed. Running back Enzo Brown gives Bethlehem-Center a player to watch as the Bulldogs look to rebound from last week’s 22-20 loss to California.
Central Clarion (6-4) vs. Karns City (9-1) 7:00 PM District-9 PIAA Class 2A Championship
Central Clarion and Karns City meet at Brookville High School for the District-9 Class 2A championship. The Wildcats won the regular-season meeting 43-14 on Oct. 2. Head coach Joe Sherwin’s Gremlins will look to limit explosive plays and reverse that result with the district championship at stake.
Smethport (8-1) @ Port Allegany (6-4) 7:00 PM District-9 PIAA Class 1A Quarterfinals
Smethport travels to Port Allegany for a District-9 Class 1A quarterfinal. The Gators enter as the No. 3 seed, while the Hubbers hold the No. 6 seed. Smethport running back Jude Kisko enters the playoffs as the newly named District-9 Region-4 Offensive MVP.
Cambridge Springs (9-1) vs. Maplewood (6-4) 7:00 PM Saturday District-10 PIAA Class 1A Quarterfinals
Cambridge Springs and Maplewood meet Saturday at General McLane High School in a District-10 Class 1A quarterfinal. The Blue Devils enter as the No. 3 seed, while the Tigers hold the No. 6 seed. Head coach Nathan Liberty’s Blue Devils will look to establish control early and keep Maplewood from gaining confidence in the quarterfinal matchup.
Corry (8-2) vs. Fort LeBoeuf (6-4) 7:00 PM District-10 PIAA Class 3A Quarterfinals
Corry and Fort LeBoeuf meet at Titusville High School in a District-10 Class 3A quarterfinal. Fort LeBoeuf quarterback Dominic Walters and Corry running back Lamech Albers headline the offenses. Albers brings momentum into the playoffs after scoring six total touchdowns in last week’s 55-49 win over Harbor Creek.
Grove City (8-2) vs. North East (6-4) 7:00 PM District-10 PIAA Class 3A Quarterfinals
Grove City and North East meet at Greenville High School in a District-10 Class 3A quarterfinal. The Eagles enter as the No. 3 seed, while the Grape Pickers hold the No. 6 seed. Quarterback Hunter Hohman and running back Gavin Purdy give Grove City an established offensive pairing heading into the postseason.
