Week 1 is here, and Mr. PA Football is bringing you the biggest high school football matchups across Pennsylvania! The 2026 season kicks off with the inaugural Mr. PA Football Kickoff Classic, featuring showcase games in both Western and Eastern Pennsylvania.
The Western PA Kickoff Classic features Chartiers Valley vs. West Allegheny, while the Eastern PA matchup pits #5 Wyomissing Area against #1 Southern Columbia.
And that’s just the beginning. Opening weekend also features two major interstate showdowns: #4 Bergen Catholic (NJ) vs. #1 Pittsburgh Central Catholic and #6 Paramus Catholic (NJ) vs. #2 La Salle College.
Week 1 is loaded with big-time matchups, top players and plenty of excitement. Here’s our look at the biggest games across Pennsylvania.
Mr. PA Football Kickoff Classic: Chartiers Valley @ West Allegheny
Friday 07:00 PM
A compelling Week 1 matchup is set for Friday night as Chartiers Valley travels to West Allegheny to open the 2026 season. The Colts are coming off a 2025 campaign that ended in the WPIAL Class 4A playoffs, while West Allegheny begins a new era with legendary coach Bob Palko back on the sideline. Palko previously won eight WPIAL titles and more than 200 games during his first tenure with the Indians, so there will be plenty of attention on this opener in Imperial.
Chartiers Valley will participate again in the Class 4A Big Six Conference this season, alongside Albert Gallatin, Laurel Highlands, Ringgold, South Fayette and Uniontown. Chartiers Valley made the WPIAL Class 4A playoffs last season, falling to McKeesport in the first round. The Colts will use this nonconference opener as an opportunity to set a physical standard and build momentum before conference play begins.
West Allegheny should bring a renewed energy level at home. The Indians return QB Donovan O’Connor and RB/DB Brodie Cornell, giving Coach Palko a pair of important building blocks as he starts his return to the program.
- Joe P. DeMichela Stadium on Friday
- Two outstanding coaches square off: Chartiers Valley’s Steve Spence and West Allegheny’s legendary Bob Palko.
Key Players to watch
Chartiers Valley:
- Junior WR/CB Aniko Hines
- Senior WR/CB Najeh Wrobleski
- Junior CB/WR Easton Staab
- Senior OT/DE Destyn Zrelak
- Senior QB/SS Owen Weagraff
- Senior RB/LB Zach Efthimiades
- Senior RB/LB Braedyn Stern
West Allegheny:
- Junior QB Donovan O’Connor
- Senior RB/FS Brodie Cornell
- Senior TE/DE Tyler Hatton
- Senior RB/LB Austin Probert
Keys to the game:
This game will be decided by the line of scrimmage and by which team handles the opening-night atmosphere better. Chartiers Valley must establish its ground game, keep its offense on schedule, and find a way to create space for its young skill players. If the Colts can avoid turnovers and stay ahead of the chains, they have enough versatility to keep West Allegheny’s defense off balance.
For West Allegheny, the key will be using O’Connor and Cornell to create a balanced attack. Cornell’s ability as both a runner and defensive back gives the Indians an important two-way player, while O’Connor must make efficient decisions and avoid giving Chartiers Valley short fields.
The biggest question is how quickly West Allegheny adapts to Coach Palko’s return and how Chartiers Valley responds to a road opener against a proud WPIAL program. The Indians should have an energized home crowd and a strong emotional edge, but the Colts’ playoff experience from last season makes this a difficult Week 1 assignment.
We expect a physical, competitive contest. The team that wins the turnover battle, controls the clock, and finishes drives in the red zone should earn the victory. We have West Allegheny over Chartiers Valley, 28-21, in a closely contested opening-night matchup.
Mr. PA Football Kickoff Classic: #5 Wyomissing Area @ #1 Southern Columbia
Friday 7:00 PM
A tremendous season-opening matchup is set for Friday night as Class 3A power Wyomissing Area travels to face defending PIAA Class 2A champion Southern Columbia. The Tigers enter 2026 as the No. 1 team in the PennLive Class 2A preseason rankings after a 15-1 season, while Wyomissing is ranked No. 5 in Class 3A after posting a 10-2 record in 2025. This is one of the top opening-week matchups in Pennsylvania, featuring two perennial small-school contenders from District-3 and District-4.
Southern Columbia has built one of the most consistent winning programs in the state behind legendary Coach Jim Roth and begins its title defense with a difficult nonleague opponent. The Tigers return an explosive and experienced offensive backfield, led by senior QB Ayden Hockenbroch and standout RB’s Grady Garcia and Joey Williams. Hockenbroch passed for 1,290 yards and 17 touchdowns last season while also rushing for 375 yards, while Garcia and Williams combined for more than 2,000 rushing yards and 31 touchdowns.
Wyomissing Area enters this game looking to return to the top of the Lancaster-Lebanon League Section 4 and make another deep postseason run under celebrated Coach Bob Wolfrum. The Spartans lost several key contributors from last season, including much of their backfield, but they return junior QB Brady Eisenhower and a physical group of linemen and two-way players. Eisenhower threw 13 touchdown passes in only 60 attempts last season and will be asked to expand his role as the offense reloads.
- Tiger Stadium on Friday
- Two of the Pennsylvania’s all-time best coaches face off: Wyomissing Area’s renowned Bob Wolfrum and Southern Columbia’s iconic Jim Roth.
Key Players to watch:
Wyomissing Area:
- Junior QB Brady Eisenhower
- Senior RB/LB Zander Westwood
- Senior TE/LB Diamante Strong
- Senior OT/DE Christian Kauffman
- Senior RB/CB Ethan Betances
Southern Columbia:
- Senior QB Ayden Hockenbroch
- Junior RB/DB Grady Garcia
- Senior RB/LB Joey Williams
- Senior DE/TE Chase Williams
- Senior OT/DT Jaden Carter
- Senior TE/DE Jace Malakoski
- Senior WR/DB Blaise Kissinger
Keys to the game:
This game will be decided by whether Wyomissing Area can slow Southern Columbia’s three-headed backfield and keep the score within reach early. The Tigers are at their best when they establish the ground game, force defenses to commit extra players to the box, and let Hockenbroch create explosive passing opportunities off play action.
For Wyomissing, Eisenhower must protect the football and make the most of his limited possessions. The Spartans cannot afford quick three-and-outs, turnovers, or special-teams mistakes against an opponent capable of scoring in bunches. If Wyomissing’s offensive line can open running lanes and keep the Tigers from controlling the line of scrimmage, the Spartans can shorten the game and make this a fourth-quarter contest.
Southern Columbia’s key will be to start fast and use its depth to wear down the Spartans. The Tigers have championship experience, an experienced quarterback, and a pair of proven 1,000-yard-caliber running backs. Wyomissing has enough experienced talent and program toughness to compete, but Southern Columbia’s offensive continuity and home-field advantage make the Tigers the favorite.
We expect a physical contest early, but Southern Columbia’s depth and explosive offense should become the difference after halftime. We have Southern Columbia over Wyomissing Area, 34-24, in a high-level Week 1 matchup.
KDKA Kickoff Classic: #4 Bergen Catholic (NJ) vs. #1 Pittsburgh Central Catholic
Friday 8:00 PM
A tremendous season-opening matchup is set for Friday night at Wolvarena as New Jersey powerhouse Bergen Catholic travels to face Central Catholic in the KDKA Kickoff Classic. Central Catholic enters the 2026 season as the No. 1 team in the Pennlive Class 6A state rankings and is pursuing a third straight WPIAL Class 6A championship. Bergen Catholic opens as the No. 4 program in New Jersey’s preseason Super 25, making this one of the top interstate matchups in the region. Central Catholic is attempting to become the first WPIAL Class 6A program to capture three consecutive district championship.
The Vikings have established themselves as Western Pennsylvania’s standard in 6A football, but they will be tested immediately by a Bergen Catholic program accustomed to national-level schedules and high-pressure games. Central Catholic must replace some production and suffered a notable preseason setback when offensive lineman Jon Sassic was lost to injury, adding even more importance to its ability to develop line depth quickly.
Bergen Catholic comes to Pittsburgh with a retooled roster after offseason departures, but the Crusaders still possess the size, speed, and physicality expected from one of New Jersey’s premier non-public programs. This is the type of game that can shape perception for both teams long before the postseason arrives.
- Wolvarena at Woodland Hills on Friday (KDKA Kickoff Classic)
- Two terrific coaches face off: Central Catholic’s Ryan Lehmeier and Bergen Catholic’s Vito Campanile.
Key Players to watch:
Central Catholic:
- Junior QB Owen Herrick
- Senior RB/LB Roman Thompson, a Miami (OH) commit
- Senior CB Zachary Gleason, a West Virginia recruit
- Senior OT James Halter, a Notre Dame recruit
- Senior OT Jimmy Kalis, an Ohio State commit
- Junior RB/FS Chrys Black Jr.
Bergen Catholic:
- 4-Star Junior QB Trey Tagliaferri, an Oklahoma commit
- Senior WR Bryan Porter, a Georgia Tech commit
- Senior WR Austin Busso, a South Florida recruit
- Junior RB Anthony Cristiano
- Freshman RB Gavin Anderson
- Sophomore OL Justin Golden
Keys to the game:
This battle will be decided by which team wins the line of scrimmage and which defense prevents explosive plays. Bergen Catholic will bring a major size-and-speed test, so Central Catholic must stay efficient on first down, avoid penalties, and keep its offense out of long-yardage situations.
For Central Catholic, protecting Herrick is the priority. If Central Catholic can establish the run behind its veteran line, it can control possession, keep Bergen Catholic’s playmakers off the field, and create manageable opportunities in the passing game. The loss of Sassic makes that task more difficult, and Bergen Catholic will likely attack the Vikings’ depth on the offensive front.
Bergen Catholic’s key will be to generate early pressure, force Central Catholic into mistakes, and avoid surrendering favorable field position. A short field, a turnover, or a special-teams breakdown could decide a game this evenly matched. Central Catholic’s home area crowd and championship experience should keep the Vikings in contention throughout the night, but Bergen Catholic’s ability to handle big-game environments gives the Crusaders a slight advantage.
We expect a physical, close game that comes down to the fourth quarter. The team that limits turnovers, tackles well in space, and makes the most of red-zone possessions should emerge with the victory. We have Bergen Catholic over Central Catholic, 24-21, in a tightly contested opening-night showdown.
Battle at the Beach: #6 Paramus Catholic (NJ) vs. #2 La Salle College
Friday 7:00 PM
A tremendous season-opening matchup is set for Friday night as Paramus Catholic takes on defending PIAA Class 6A champion La Salle College at the Battle at the Beach in Ocean City, New Jersey. La Salle enters 2026 as one of Pennsylvania’s top programs after winning the 6A state championship last season, while Paramus Catholic begins a new era with talented young quarterback Walker Snee, a 6-foot-3, 205-pound transfer from Bergen Catholic, leading the Paladins.
La Salle College has set a demanding nonconference schedule, and Paramus Catholic is the first major test. The Explorers will also face Malvern Prep, Calvert Hall, Salesianum, Roman Catholic, and St. Joseph’s Prep later this season, so this matchup offers an immediate early-season barometer for a program carrying championship expectations.
Paramus Catholic is looking to make a statement against one of the best teams in Pennsylvania. The Paladins have added sophomore QB Walker Snee and he will be asked to lead an offense facing an experienced and physical La Salle defense in his first game with the program.
- Carey Stadium on Friday (Battle at the Beach in Ocean City, New Jersey)
- Two talented coaches face off: Paramus Catholic’s Greg Russo and La Salle College’s Brett Gordon
Key Players to watch:
Paramus Catholic:
- Sophomore QB Walker Snee
- Senior RB Chukwuma Odoh, a Penn State recruit
- Junior WR/CB A.J. Lopez Jr.
- Junior FS/WR Chaz Cusimano
- Senior WR/CB Nysir Golden
- Senior LB/DE Amaree Ervin
La Salle College:
- Junior QB Luke Gordon
- Senior CB Trey Hopkins, a UCLA recruit
- Senior LB Zykee Scott, a North Carolina commit
- Senior S/WR Chima Auguste
- Junior WR Owen Johnson
Keys to the game:
This contest will be decided by whether Paramus Catholic’s offensive line can keep Snee comfortable and whether La Salle can establish its physical run style early with new starting QB Luke Gordon under center. The Explorers want to control the line of scrimmage, run the football effectively, and force Paramus Catholic into long third-down situations.
For both Paramus Catholic and La Salle College, avoiding turnovers is critical. Both teams have young quarterbacks making their first starts and cannot give either team short fields or extra possessions. The Paladins need to use a balanced offense, stay patient, and find ways to create explosive plays without taking unnecessary risks.
La Salle’s defense must limit Snee’s time in the pocket and prevent the Paladins’ receivers from creating separation on deep routes. If the Explorers can make Paramus Catholic one-dimensional, their experience and depth should begin to show as the game moves into the second half.
We expect Paramus Catholic to compete early behind its young quarterback and athletic skill talent, but La Salle’s championship experience, physicality, and depth should be the difference. We have La Salle College over Paramus Catholic, 26-17, in a hard-fought interstate opener.
Quick Hitters Preview
Big School Class 4A-6A
#7 Roman Catholic @ #5 St. John Bosco (CA) (0-1) 07:00 PM
Roman Catholic faces perhaps the most daunting opening-week assignment of any Pennsylvania program: a cross-country trip to Bellflower, California, to play St. John Bosco at Panish Family Stadium. Bosco enters after a competitive 38-28 loss to Bishop Gorman, while Roman Catholic brings the confidence of a defending PIAA 5A champion moving up to Class 6A.
Roman Catholic must avoid an early avalanche, run the ball effectively, and create turnovers to keep the game manageable. Bosco’s speed, depth, and home-field advantage make it a steep task, but this is an invaluable test for the Cahillites’ 6A transition.
#6 State College @ #8 Central York 07:00 PM
This is one of Pennsylvania’s best in-state Week 1 matchups. State College travels to Central York with the higher statewide preseason profile, but Central York is capable of turning its home opener into an early District-3 statement.
This game should be decided by first-down success and offensive-line control. State College needs to avoid letting Central York dictate tempo, while the Panthers need to make the Little Lions earn every yard and capitalize on home-field momentum.
Canon-McMillan @ Peters Township 07:00 PM
A major South Hills rivalry starts the season, with Canon-McMillan seeking to take the next step under veteran quarterback Ty Jansma. Jansma passed for 1,749 yards and 13 touchdowns last season, and the Big Macs return seven offensive and seven defensive starters. Senior running back Braelon Wingfield and a returning veteran offensive line give Canon-McMillan a physical identity.
Peters Township must find ways to disrupt Jansma and prevent Canon-McMillan from staying balanced. The Big Macs have enough experience to control the pace, but rivalry games often swing on red-zone execution and special teams.
#4 Our Lady of Good Counsel (MD) @ #9 Bishop McDevitt 07:00 PM
Bishop McDevitt opens its season with a serious interstate challenge against one of Maryland’s most established programs. This is an immediate opportunity for the Crusaders to prove they belong in the discussion among Pennsylvania’s elite 6A teams.
Bishop McDevitt must avoid turnovers, protect its quarterback, and play disciplined defense against a deep Good Counsel roster. The Crusaders’ skill athletes can make this a fourth-quarter game if they limit short fields and win on special teams.
Easton Area @ Central Bucks West 07:00 PM
Easton opens its season with a road trip to Central Bucks West while replacing several all-state and all-area standouts, including quarterback Cole Ordway, linebacker Sean Kilpatrick, and key skill-position contributors. Central Bucks West counters with an experienced group led by senior quarterback Josh George, RB/LB Nick Milleto, WR/FS Louie Cipollo, and TE/DE Liam Laphen.
Easton’s ability to reload offensively is the main question, while CB West wants to use its returning experience to create explosive plays. If the Bucks’ offense starts quickly, Easton may be forced to chase the game with a new quarterback.
North Hills @ North Allegheny 07:30 PM
North Hills and North Allegheny meet for the first time in 13 years, turning this into one of Western Pennsylvania’s most compelling rivalry renewals. The game is at Newman Stadium, and the schools are pairing it with a community food drive before kickoff.
The emotional edge will be high for both teams, so the first quarter matters greatly. North Allegheny has the home field and pedigree, but North Hills can make this a rivalry game by winning the turnover margin and avoiding early special-teams mistakes.
#4 Harrisburg @ York 7:00 PM
Harrisburg travels to York High to open the season in a key District-3 nonconference matchup. The Cougars bring the athleticism and defensive talent expected from one of the area’s top programs, while York will look to use its home field and compete physically for four quarters.
York must avoid giving Harrisburg short fields or explosive-play opportunities. If the Bearcats protect the football and establish the run, they can keep the game close; Harrisburg’s speed and depth, however, give the Cougars the edge entering Week 1.
Manheim Township @ Cumberland Valley 7:00 PM
Manheim Township and Cumberland Valley open the season with an immediate District-3 test between two established Class 6A programs. The Blue Streaks beat the Eagles in last season’s match-up, giving Cumberland Valley added motivation for the rematch.
Cumberland Valley needs to use its home field, play physical up front and avoid allowing Manheim Township to establish an early rhythm. The Blue Streaks must protect the football and create explosive plays; if they do, their recent success against the Eagles could carry into another close Week 1 matchup.
Hershey @ Milton Hershey 7:00 PM
Hershey and Milton Hershey renew the Cocoa Bean Bowl, a rivalry that dates to 1943. The Trojans enter after a 7-3 season, while Milton Hershey looks to take a step forward after finishing 2-8 in 2025.
Hershey needs to establish control early and avoid allowing the Spartans’ athletic playmakers to create momentum at home. Milton Hershey will lean on QB Kamari Cooper and a veteran group up front; if the Spartans protect the football and generate explosive plays, they can make the rivalry opener a four-quarter game.
Red Land @ Cedar Cliff 7:00 PM
Red Land visits Cedar Cliff in a Week 1 rivalry game after the Patriots went 7-4 last season, reached the playoffs and defeated the Colts in head coach Jaimie Thomas’s first year. The rematch gives Cedar Cliff an immediate opportunity to reset the rivalry on its home field.
Red Land will look to lean on senior QB Matthew Johns and a veteran two-way core. Cedar Cliff must match the Patriots’ physicality, establish its running game and limit Red Land’s explosive plays. If the Colts win up front, this rivalry matchup should be tight into the fourth quarter.
#4 Camden (NJ) @ #2 Imhotep Charter 06:00 PM Saturday
Imhotep Charter begins its first season back in Class 5A after competing in Class 6A, and the Panthers enter as one of Pennsylvania’s top teams in their new classification. Camden brings the athleticism and speed expected from a quality New Jersey opponent.
Imhotep needs to play with consistency on offense and avoid allowing Camden to create chaos with big plays. The Panthers’ speed and defensive talent should show over four quarters if they protect the football.
Big School/Small School Crossover
Thomas Jefferson @ Belle Vernon 7:00 PM
Thomas Jefferson visits Belle Vernon in a Week 1 rematch of last season’s dramatic 14-10 Jaguars win, when the Leopards led with 30 seconds remaining. Belle Vernon begins its season back in Class 3A after dropping from Class 4A, while Thomas Jefferson is moving up to the challenging Class 5A Allegheny Six Conference.
Belle Vernon needs to turn last year’s late heartbreak into early momentum by playing clean, physical football at home. Thomas Jefferson must avoid giving the Leopards explosive opportunities and lean on its experience in close games; with both teams looking to establish an identity, the fourth quarter could decide it again.
Small School Class 1A-3A
#1 Avonworth @ #9 Hopewell 07:00 PM
The defending PIAA 3A champion opens on the road against a talented Hopewell team with plenty of motivation. Avonworth went 15-0 in 2025 and features major playmakers in running back Dimitri Velisaris, who rushed for 1,492 yards and 23 touchdowns, and four-star WR/FS Jaden Jones, who had 1,023 receiving yards and 10 scores. Hopewell counters with four-star junior QB James Armstrong, senior DE Aris Haniotes, and junior WR/SS Avery Bokor.
The headline matchup is Armstrong against Avonworth’s championship-tested defense. Hopewell has the quarterback talent to make this interesting, but Avonworth’s balance and ability to create explosive plays make them the favorite.
#7 Farrell vs. #1 Clairton 3:30 PM Saturday KDKA Kickoff Classic
Defending PIAA Class 1A champion Clairton opens its season against Class 2A power Farrell in one of Week 1’s best small-school matchups. The Bears finished 15-1 last season and enter 2026 ranked No. 1 in Class 1A, while the Steelers went 13-3, reached the PIAA Class 2A championship game, and are ranked No. 7 in 2A.
Clairton must establish its explosive playmakers early while staying composed against Farrell’s physical, experienced roster. Farrell’s path is to control the line of scrimmage, limit the Bears’ big plays and turn this into a fourth-quarter game. The Steelers have the size and toughness to challenge Clairton, but the Bears’ speed and championship pedigree make them difficult to pick against over four quarters. The game will be played at Wolvarena at Woodland Hills (KDKA Kickoff Classic).
North Catholic @ #3 Seton LaSalle 7:00 PM
Seton LaSalle opens its Class 2A title defense against a North Catholic team moving through the rugged Class 3A Allegheny Seven Conference. The Rebels went 12-2 last season, won the WPIAL Class 2A championship, and enter the year ranked No. 3 in Pennsylvania’s preseason Class 2A rankings.
North Catholic has proven offensive production to replace after QB Joe Felitsky threw for 3,388 yards and 46 touchdowns last season, while Logan Schade and Preston Simko combined for 2,124 rushing and receiving yards and 36 touchdowns. The Trojans need to establish balance early and avoid falling into a game where Seton LaSalle can lean on its defensive speed and play from ahead.
Seton LaSalle must protect its home field, play clean football and let returning impact player Kia Jones Jr. create momentum on offense. If the Rebels control the line of scrimmage and prevent explosive plays, their championship experience and defensive talent should carry them over four quarters.
#5 Schuylkill Haven @ Mount Carmel 7:00 PM
Schuylkill Haven begins its season with a tough road test at Mount Carmel Area. The Hurricanes went 12-2 last year and will lean on physical line play, a steady ground attack and disciplined defense against a Class 3A opponent.
Mount Carmel finished last season strong, winning four of its final five games. The Tornadoes need to create momentum at home and force Schuylkill Haven into mistakes; if the Hurricanes protect the football and control the line of scrimmage, they have the edge.
#6 Richland @ Central Cambria 7:00 PM
Richland opens its season on the road against Central Cambria after a 12-2 campaign that ended with a District-6 Class 2A championship. The Rams return several experienced pieces, including WR/FS Arnold Mugerwa and RB/LB Joey Ragno, and enter as the favorite in local Week 1 picks.
Central Cambria finished 4-6 last season and will look to make its home field an advantage behind returning senior lineman Hayden Gaunt. The Red Devils need to win the line of scrimmage and create turnovers; if Richland plays to its standard of physicality and protects the football, the Rams have the edge.
