Week 10 is here, and with the regular season coming to a close, teams across Pennsylvania are battling for conference titles, perfect records and playoff positioning heading into the postseason. Mr. PA Football is bringing you three marquee matchups, including an undefeated WPIAL showdown between Seton LaSalle and Bishop Canevin, a Mid-Penn Commonwealth Division clash as Harrisburg visits unbeaten State College, and a PAC championship rematch between Spring-Ford and Upper Perkiomen.
Here’s our look at the biggest games across Pennsylvania.
#3 (2A) Seton LaSalle (9-0) @ #1 (2A) Bishop Canevin (9-0)
Friday 7:00 PM District-7
Two undefeated WPIAL contenders meet Friday, October 30, when Seton LaSalle visits Bishop Canevin at Dormont Stadium for the Century Conference championship. The Rebels enter ranked No. 3 in PennLive’s latest Class 2A state rankings, while the Crusaders hold the No. 1 spot. Both teams are 9-0 overall and enter the regular-season finale unbeaten in conference play, setting up a showdown that will determine the Century Conference champion before the WPIAL playoffs.
Seton LaSalle brings championship experience into the matchup after winning last season’s WPIAL Class 2A title. Head coach Tim Storino has guided the Rebels to a 9-0 start, with a balanced group of playmakers and an experienced offensive line. Seton LaSalle also won last season’s nonconference meeting with Bishop Canevin, 22-7, but Friday’s matchup carries different stakes with the conference championship on the line.
The Rebels have produced convincing victories throughout their schedule. Their results include wins over Chartiers-Houston, 65-24, Carlynton, 62-0, and McGuffey, 56-18. Seton LaSalle also shut out Quaker Valley before its most recent victory over Keystone Oaks, 55-0. Junior quarterbacks Noah Mickolay and Kia Jones Jr. have both contributed to the passing game, giving Storino options in directing the offense.
Senior wide receiver Colt Erdos gives the Rebels a proven target, and junior running back Kymarr Freeman provides another option when Seton LaSalle looks to establish the ground game. The Rebels’ ability to threaten through the air and on the ground will be important against an unbeaten opponent.
Seton LaSalle’s offensive line could be a key factor in the matchup. Senior center and guard Brody Dilla and senior guard and defensive tackle Dom Fani are among the experienced players up front. Their work will help determine whether the Rebels can sustain possessions, establish the running game and give their quarterbacks time to find opportunities against the Crusaders’ defense.
Bishop Canevin enters after a 42-0 victory over Chartiers-Houston, continuing its unbeaten season. The Crusaders have also defeated South Allegheny, 42-6, Quaker Valley, 58-13, and Keystone Oaks, 64-0. Their closest result came against McGuffey, when they earned a 21-14 conference victory on September 25.
Head coach Rod Steele has guided Bishop Canevin to a 9-0 start as the Crusaders have moved into position to compete for the conference title. Senior quarterback Brady Wagner has provided stability behind center, while the offense has shown the ability to produce through the air and on the ground. Wagner’s passing efficiency and the Crusaders’ ability to spread the ball among their playmakers will be important against Seton LaSalle.
Senior running back Myontae Mott and sophomore running back Neuval Bone give Bishop Canevin options in the backfield, while senior receiver Justin Melvin provides a target for Wagner. Senior offensive lineman Charles Butler contributes up front, and senior outside linebacker/defensive end Lamier Wade is another player to watch on defense.
Both teams have won convincingly throughout the season, but Friday’s matchup figures to be a tougher test. With the Century Conference championship on the line, finishing drives, protecting the football and making key defensive stops could decide which team closes the regular season unbeaten.
- Seton LaSalle and Bishop Canevin enter Friday’s Century Conference championship matchup at 9-0 overall, with the Rebels ranked No. 3 and the Crusaders No. 1 in PennLive’s Class 2A rankings.
- Seton LaSalle head coach Tim Storino and Bishop Canevin head coach Rod Steele lead two championship contenders. The Rebels won last season’s nonconference meeting, 22-7.
- Both teams enter after shutout victories, with Seton LaSalle blanking Keystone Oaks, 55-0, and Bishop Canevin defeating Chartiers-Houston, 42-0.
Key Players to watch:
Seton LaSalle
- Junior CB/QB Kia Jones Jr.
- Junior QB Noah Mickolay
- Junior RB/FS Kymarr Freeman
- Senior WR/CB Colt Erdos
- Junior WR/FS Matthew Brodzinski
- Senior C/OG Brody Dilla
- Senior OG/DT Dom Fani
- Junior LB Elijah Hickman
Bishop Canevin
- Senior QB Brady Wagner
- Senior LB Minikon Johnson
- Senior RB/WR Myontae Mott
- Sophomore RB/ATH Neuval Bone
- Senior WR/FS Justin Melvin
- Senior WR/LB/DE/ Lamier Wade
- Senior OT/DT Charles Butler
Keys to the game: Seton LaSalle will look to use its experienced offensive line to establish the running game, protect its quarterbacks and create opportunities for Erdos downfield. The Rebels need to finish possessions and prevent Bishop Canevin from turning defensive stops into quick scoring drives. The Crusaders will counter with Wagner’s passing and a backfield featuring Mott and Bone, forcing Seton LaSalle to defend both the interior running game and receiving options such as Melvin. Tackling, pass protection and avoiding turnovers should carry added importance against an opponent capable of capitalizing on a short field. Seton LaSalle’s returning experience and success in last year’s meeting make the Rebels a difficult assignment, but Wagner’s efficiency and Bishop Canevin’s offensive depth give the Crusaders a narrow edge. We have Bishop Canevin over Seton LaSalle, 28-24.
Harrisburg (8-1) @ #2 (6A) State College (9-0)
7:00 PM District-3/6
Harrisburg looks to bounce back from its first loss when the Cougars visit unbeaten State College on Friday at Memorial Field for a Mid-Penn Commonwealth Division matchup. The Little Lions enter ranked No. 2 in PennLive’s latest Class 6A state rankings. State College has a perfect regular season within reach, and the Cougars have an opportunity to respond against one of the state’s top-ranked teams before the playoffs.
Harrisburg fell to Bishop McDevitt, 51-14, last Saturday after opening the season with eight consecutive victories. The Cougars had defeated Carlisle, 70-0, Central Dauphin East, 61-0, and Chambersburg, 28-12, in the three games before that loss. Head coach Calvin Everett will look for a stronger performance on both sides of the football against another challenging opponent.
Senior quarterback Kayden Stephens has completed 94 of 164 passes for 1,557 yards and 18 touchdowns with two interceptions, according to PennLive’s statistical leaders through Week 9. Senior running back Princeton Dent has rushed for 970 yards and 19 touchdowns on 176 carries. Establishing Dent early would help Harrisburg avoid relying on its passing game in difficult down-and-distance situations.
Senior receiver Jaiyon Lewis has 32 catches for 634 yards and nine touchdowns, giving Stephens a productive target. Trays Walker, Ja’Auan Johnson and Keijuan Sinkler provide additional options in the Cougars’ receiving group.
Harrisburg also has defensive contributors in junior defensive end Tu’ron Dennis and senior linebacker Kayson Judge. The Cougars will need their front to limit State College’s running game without giving its receivers room to make plays downfield. Keeping the Little Lions from extending possessions will be important after last week’s difficult afternoon against McDevitt.
State College improved to 9-0 with a 52-0 victory over Carlisle last Friday, its second consecutive shutout by that score after defeating Altoona. Head coach Matt Lintal’s team has paired those defensive performances with an offense that can move the football through the air or on the ground.
Junior quarterback Connor Kulka has completed 84 of 125 passes for 1,396 yards and 11 touchdowns with three interceptions, according to PennLive’s Week 9 leaders. Senior running back Rowan Walker has rushed for 991 yards and 18 touchdowns on 158 carries, putting him within nine yards of the 1,000-yard mark entering the finale.
Senior receiver Anderson “A.J.” Fry has caught 31 passes for 712 yards and 10 touchdowns. His production gives Harrisburg another concern alongside Walker’s running, while State College can also turn to players such as Kellen Williams, Ethan Prenatt and Max Vendemia. Anthony Sheffey provides experience along the line, and Keen Furmanek and Cohen Johnson are additional players to watch.
For Harrisburg, Friday offers a chance to put last week’s loss behind it with a strong road performance. State College will look to maintain the form that has carried it through nine games without a defeat. Finishing drives and avoiding turnovers could be especially important if neither team is able to take control early.
- State College enters at 9-0 and No. 2 in PennLive’s Class 6A rankings; Harrisburg is 8-1 and listed among the classification’s teams to watch.
- Harrisburg head coach Calvin Everett and State College head coach Matt Lintal lead their teams into the regular-season finale before their respective district playoffs.
- State College defeated Carlisle, 52-0, last Friday, while Harrisburg looks to rebound from a 51-14 loss to Bishop McDevitt.
Key Players to watch:
Harrisburg
- Senior QB Kayden Stephens
- Senior RB/LB Princeton Dent, a Bryant commit
- Senior ATH/WR/CB Jaiyon Lewis
- Senior CB/WR Trays Walker
- Junior DE Tu’ron Dennis
- Senior LB Kayson Judge
- Junior WR/RB/DB Ja’Auan Johnson
- Senior WR/CB Keijuan Sinkler
State College
- Junior QB Connor Kulka
- Senior WR/FS Kellen Williams
- Senior RB Rowan Walker
- Senior WR/OLB Anderson “A.J.” Fry, an Old Dominion commit
- Junior WR/OLB Ethan Prenatt
- Junior DE/TE Cohen Johnson
- Sophomore WR/CB Max Vendemia
- Senior OT/NG Anthony Sheffey
- Senior TE/LB Keen Furmanek
Keys to the game: Harrisburg will look to establish Dent, give Stephens manageable passing situations and keep State College from controlling possession. The Cougars need to protect the football and limit the running lanes available to Walker without leaving Fry open downfield. State College will counter with its balanced offense, using Walker’s rushing to create opportunities for Kulka and the receiving group. The Little Lions must also keep Lewis and Harrisburg’s other receivers from turning short completions into big gains. Harrisburg has the playmakers to make this competitive, but State College’s balance and recent defensive performances give the Little Lions the edge. We have State College over Harrisburg, 31-21.
Spring-Ford (8-1) @ Upper Perkiomen (8-1)
Friday 7:00 PM District-1
The PAC championship takes center stage Friday when Spring-Ford visits Upper Perkiomen for a rematch of last season’s title game. Both teams enter at 8-1 after completing unbeaten runs through their respective divisions. The Rams captured the Liberty Division championship, while the Indians finished atop the Frontier Division, setting up another meeting with the league title on the line. Spring-Ford won last year’s championship matchup, 14-10, giving Upper Perkiomen an opportunity to reverse that result on its home field.
Spring-Ford secured the Liberty Division championship with a 49-26 victory over Owen J. Roberts last Friday. The Rams scored 36 unanswered points after trailing, 19-14, in the second quarter, using a physical running game and a stronger defensive performance after halftime to take control. Spring-Ford finished division play at 5-0 and earned a place in the PAC championship game.
Sophomore running back Phoenix Martin led the Rams with 135 yards and two touchdowns on 26 carries against Owen J. Roberts. It marked his fifth 100-yard rushing performance in six weeks. Junior Rowan Harmon added 68 rushing yards and two touchdowns while catching two passes for 39 yards, giving Spring-Ford another productive option in an offense that rushed for 217 yards.
Senior quarterback Kaden Pickersgill made the most of limited passing opportunities, completing six of nine attempts for 161 yards and a touchdown while adding a rushing score. Senior Jackson Wickersham caught two passes for 55 yards, including a 39-yard touchdown. The Rams did not punt, finishing their eight possessions with six touchdowns, a lost fumble and a final possession that ran out the clock. That efficiency will be important against an Upper Perkiomen defense coming off its fifth shutout of the season.
Head coach Mike Palmer also received important contributions from his defense. Senior lineman Cooper Fanaro recorded two tackles for loss, including a sack, while junior linebacker Ty Hontz returned an interception 64 yards for a touchdown. After allowing three early touchdown drives against Owen J. Roberts, the Rams limited the Wildcats to 69 yards over their final five possessions. Senior offensive lineman Lynn Bellard was another contributor to the physical performance that helped Spring-Ford pull away.
Upper Perkiomen completed its unbeaten Frontier Division schedule with a 41-0 victory over Norristown last Friday. The Indians finished 5-0 in division play, with a 14-6 victory over Pottsgrove providing their closest contest. Their latest shutout followed a 63-32 victory over Upper Merion, demonstrating that Upper Perkiomen has been able to win both defensive battles and higher-scoring games.
Head coach Dan Heinrichs leads an Upper Perkiomen team with experienced players at several important positions. Senior quarterback Grayson Sabo gives the Indians a threat through the air and on the ground. His versatility will be important against a Rams defense that showed it could make game-changing adjustments against Owen J. Roberts.
Senior running back Zach Adam provides another challenge for the Rams’ defense, while senior receiver Aaron Maiden gives Sabo an option in the passing game. The Indians recorded 262 passing yards against Norristown, giving Spring-Ford reason to respect more than their running attack. Seniors Cael Martin, Nate Schramm and Dylan Marshall provide additional experience along the lines.
Last season’s championship game offers a reminder of how important turnovers and late possessions can become in this matchup. Spring-Ford prevailed, 14-10, despite being outgained, 273-147. The Rams intercepted three passes, including a late interception by Blake Turner that protected the lead. Upper Perkiomen will look to turn this year’s home-field opportunity into a different finish, while Spring-Ford aims to capture another league championship.
- Spring-Ford and Upper Perkiomen enter at 8-1 after finishing 5-0 in the PAC Liberty and Frontier divisions, respectively; the Indians host the championship rematch.
- Spring-Ford head coach Mike Palmer and Upper Perkiomen head coach Dan Heinrichs lead their teams into the PAC championship game after unbeaten division runs.
- Spring-Ford defeated Owen J. Roberts, 49-26, last Friday, while Upper Perkiomen recorded its fifth shutout with a 41-0 victory over Norristown.
Key Players to watch:
Spring-Ford
- Senior QB Kaden Pickersgill
- Sophomore RB/LB Phoenix Martin
- Junior RB/WR/DB Rowan Harmon
- Senior WR/LB Jackson Wickersham
- Senior DE/TE Dylan Garay
- Senior OG/OT/DL Lynn Bellard
- Senior DE/NG Cooper Fanaro
- Junior RB/LB Ty Hontz
Upper Perkiomen
- Senior QB/LB Grayson Sabo
- Senior RB/FS Zach Adam
- Senior WR/FS Aaron Maiden
- Senior C/DE Cael Martin
- Senior DE/TE Nate Schramm
- Senior OG/DT Dylan Marshall
Keys to the game: Spring-Ford will look to establish Martin and Harmon, sustain its physical running game and give Pickersgill opportunities to make efficient throws without forcing the offense into obvious passing situations. Upper Perkiomen must finish defensive possessions and avoid allowing the Rams to wear down its front as the game progresses. The Indians will counter with Sabo’s ability to run and throw, Adam’s rushing and Maiden’s receiving production. Spring-Ford needs to account for Sabo without opening running lanes for Adam, while Upper Perkiomen must protect the football after turnovers proved costly in last year’s championship meeting. The Indians’ home field and defensive record make this a difficult road assignment, but Spring-Ford’s recent offensive efficiency gives the Rams a narrow edge. We have Spring-Ford over Upper Perkiomen, 28-24.
Quick Hitters Preview
Big School Class 4A-6A
#8 (6A) Roman Catholic (6-2) @ #3 (6A) St. Joseph’s Prep (6-1) 1:00 PM Saturday District-12
Franklin Field hosts this Philadelphia Catholic League showdown Saturday. Roman Catholic enters No. 8 in PennLive’s Class 6A rankings, while St. Joseph’s Prep holds the No. 3 position. The Cahillites defeated Father Judge, 38-0, last Saturday, and the Hawks beat Bonner-Prendergast, 49-14.
Head coach Rick Prete has guided Roman Catholic to six consecutive victories after opening with two losses, while Tim Roken’s St. Joseph’s Prep team brings a five-game winning streak. Receiver Jett Harrison is among the Hawks’ offensive threats, making sound coverage and reliable tackling important for the Cahillites. Last season’s 40-39 double-overtime Prep victory illustrates how closely these programs can compete. Roman needs to turn defensive stops into sustained possessions, while Prep must prevent the Cahillites from controlling the tempo and finish its own scoring opportunities.
#1 (4A) West York (9-0) @ Dover (8-1) 7:00 PM District-3
The SCAC Division-II championship comes down to two teams entering 6-0 in division play. PennLive’s No. 1 Class 4A West York defeated Susquehannock, 40-3, last week, while Dover beat Kennard-Dale, 57-6. Quarterback Jensen Ferber gives the Bulldogs a productive passing option, and Dover must prevent the visitors from building an early cushion in a game that will produce an outright division champion.
Ridley (8-1) @ #10 (5A) Garnet Valley (8-1) 7:00 PM District-1
Ridley visits Garnet Valley after Kevin Farley rushed for 123 yards and two touchdowns in a 17-14 victory over Strath Haven. The Jaguars defeated Penncrest, 49-14, and enter No. 10 in PennLive’s Class 5A rankings. The Raiders need to build on their productive running game while preventing Garnet Valley from controlling possession at home.
#3 (5A) Springfield-Delco (9-0) @ Strath Haven (7-2) 7:00 PM District-1
Springfield-Delco visits George L. King Field after a 52-0 victory over Conestoga, carrying a perfect record and PennLive’s No. 3 Class 5A ranking into the finale. Kevin Clancy’s Strath Haven team looks to respond to a 17-14 loss to Ridley, with Landon Barlow among its backfield contributors. Sustained possessions and disciplined defense will be important for the Panthers against an opponent arriving with five consecutive shutouts.
Central Bucks East (6-3) @ #7 (6A) Central Bucks West (8-1) 7:00 PM District-1
John Donnelly’s Central Bucks East team enters this district rivalry after shutting out Abington, 35-0, while Rob Rowan’s Central Bucks West squad defeated Pennsbury, 35-7. The Bucks hold the No. 7 position in PennLive’s Class 6A rankings and have also recently beaten Neshaminy, 40-8. East brings a three-game winning streak into the matchup, adding another layer to a regular-season finale with neighborhood bragging rights and postseason momentum at stake. Ball security, field position and finishing drives should be important as the Patriots look to challenge the state-ranked Bucks.
#5 (4A) Montour (7-2) @ Blackhawk (8-1) 7:00 PM District-7
Montour enters 3-0 in the Parkway Conference, while Blackhawk is 2-1, giving the finale direct importance near the top of the standings. PennLive’s No. 5 Class 4A Spartans defeated Mars, 55-18, behind 211 rushing yards and three touchdowns from Archie Collins. Blackhawk counters after a 46-41 victory over Kiski Area, with Brayden McCarthy rushing for 148 yards and three touchdowns and Hayden Magill adding 136 yards and two scores; limiting explosive runs could decide this matchup.
West Chester East (6-3) @ #9 (5A) Great Valley (9-0) 7:00 PM District-1
The Ches-Mont South championship is on the line as unbeaten Great Valley hosts West Chester East, with both teams listed at 2-0 in division play. The Patriots enter No. 9 in PennLive’s Class 5A rankings, while Dean Owens’ Vikings arrive after a 40-18 victory over West Chester Henderson. East quarterback Logan Cummings threw for 258 yards and running back Cooper Verbos rushed for 241 in that win, giving Great Valley two different challenges as it pursues a perfect regular season.
Big School/Small School Crossover
7 (3A) Mount Carmel (9-0) @ #9 (4A) Shamokin (8-1) 7:00 PM District-4
Mount Carmel takes an unbeaten record into a rivalry finale against a Shamokin team looking to respond to its first loss. The Red Tornadoes defeated Central Mountain, 49-21, last week, while the Indians fell to Blue Mountain, 34-14. Both appear in PennLive’s latest state poll, with Mount Carmel No. 7 in Class 3A and Shamokin No. 9 in Class 4A. The matchup is listed as a non-conference game despite each team carrying a 5-0 conference record.
Cooper Karycki and Jaylen Delaney give Mount Carmel productive options, while Shamokin quarterback Logan Steele can challenge a defense as both a runner and passer. The Indians must prevent the visitors from generating quick scores, and the Red Tornadoes need to keep Steele from extending possessions with his legs. Shamokin’s home field could be paramount in this rivalry game. Ball security, discipline, and finishing drives is the most important factor for both teams in a huge rivalry game.
Small School Class 1A-3A
Ligonier Valley (8-1) @ Apollo-Ridge (8-1) 7:00 PM District-7
The Allegheny Conference race reaches its final test with Apollo-Ridge entering 5-0 in conference play and Ligonier Valley at 4-1. The Vikings defeated South Allegheny, 42-14, last week, while the Rams suffered their first loss, 33-14, against Steel Valley. Apollo-Ridge is listed among PennLive’s Class 2A teams to watch.
Quarterbacks Levi Foust of Ligonier Valley and Chris Dailey of Apollo-Ridge give both defenses more than a conventional passing game to account for. The Rams need to avoid the mistakes that interrupted their unbeaten start, while the Vikings must prevent Foust from keeping drives alive outside the pocket. Apollo-Ridge can finish conference play without a defeat, but Ligonier Valley has an opportunity to ruin that finish.
Belle Vernon (8-1) @ Elizabeth Forward (8-1) 7:00 PM District-7
The Interstate Conference championship is on the line at Warrior Stadium, where Belle Vernon and Elizabeth Forward bring matching 5-0 conference records. The Leopards defeated Waynesburg Central, 55-39, last week, while the Warriors shut out Mt. Pleasant, 55-0. Both programs appear among PennLive’s Class 3A teams to watch and face-off in a finale with direct conference stakes.
Belle Vernon features Chace Petrosky and quarterback Jake Gedekoh, while Elizabeth Forward counters with Rocco Thompson and quarterback Kaden Allen. Each defense must account for a mobile quarterback without creating openings elsewhere in the running game. Belle Vernon needs to make Elizabeth Forward sustain its possessions; the Warriors must prevent the Leopards from turning the evening into a succession of explosive plays.
#8 (1A) Fort Cherry (8-1) @ #3 (1A) Washington (8-1) 7:00 PM District-7
Fort Cherry and Washington meet with matching records and positions in PennLive’s Class 1A top ten. The No. 8 Rangers defeated Brentwood, 41-0, last week, while the No. 3 Prexies beat Sto-Rox, 57-12. Fort Cherry also recently defeated Jeannette, 42-3, giving the visitors another strong result entering the finale.
Eli Salvini of Fort Cherry and Jamarie Walker of Washington are backfield players to watch as both teams try to establish favorable down-and-distance situations. Neither defense can afford to let short gains repeatedly become first downs, especially if the game settles into a possession battle. Finishing scoring opportunities in the red zone should matter more than simply moving the football between the 20s.
Laurel (7-2) @ #7 (1A) Shenango (8-0) 7:00 PM District-7
The conference championship comes down to Laurel and Shenango, both 6-0 in league play. Shenango enters unbeaten under first-year coach Casey Hilton, while Laurel has positioned itself to claim the title with a road victory. The Wildcats defeated Summit Academy, 65-6, last week, and the Spartans beat South Side, 42-6.
Shenango’s Jasyn Williams presents a major challenge for Laurel after rushing for 162 yards and two touchdowns on just five carries against Summit Academy. His scoring runs covered 58 and 56 yards, underscoring the Spartans’ need to prevent explosive plays. Jaeshaun Williams added two rushing touchdowns in the victory.
Laurel’s defense enters off a strong performance against South Side, but containing Shenango’s rushing threats will be critical to keeping this matchup within reach. The stakes are straightforward: the winner takes the outright conference championship, while Shenango also has an unbeaten regular season on the line.
Jeannette (7-2) @ #2 (1A) Clairton (7-2) 7:00 PM District-7
The Eastern Conference championship is at stake when Jeannette visits Tyler Boyd Stadium, with both teams listed at 5-0 in conference play. PennLive lists Clairton at 7-2 overall and No. 2 in Class 1A. Jeannette defeated Leechburg, 42-12, while Clairton beat Greensburg Central Catholic, 26-0.
Jeannette quarterback Hunter Schaeffer and receiver Jayce Powell give the Jayhawks players capable of challenging the Bears, while Keith Craven and Quintin Napper supplied long scoring plays in Clairton’s latest victory. Jeannette needs to protect the football and avoid giving the Bears additional opportunities through the return game. Clairton must keep Schaeffer from extending possessions with his running ability.
#1 (1A) Bishop Guilfoyle (8-1) @ #10 (2A) Richland (8-1) 7:30 PM District-6
The Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference championship matches PennLive’s top-ranked Class 1A team against its No. 10 Class 2A team. Bishop Guilfoyle coach Justin Wheeler brings the Marauders off a 38-0 victory over Clearfield, while Richland defeated Bedford, 64-14. Quarterback Jacob Regan and running back Grayson Mahla give Richland complementary threats against Bishop Guilfoyle on Friday night.
#6 (3A) Hopewell (8-1) @ Aliquippa (6-2) 7:00 PM District-7
The Western Hills Conference championship adds another layer to this neighboring-school matchup, with Hopewell ranked No. 6 in PennLive’s Class 3A poll. Vikings quarterback James Armstrong threw for 315 yards and accounted for six touchdowns against Ambridge last week, while Mike Warfield’s Aliquippa defense has allowed only 13 points in four conference games. Hopewell must sustain possessions against that front if it wants its offense to dictate the evening.
California (7-2) @ Bethlehem-Center (9-0) 7:00 PM District-7
Bethlehem-Center puts its unbeaten record on the line against a California team coming off a 24-18 victory over Avella. Tim Trump’s Bulldogs shut out Mapletown, 49-0, last week, while California has also recently defeated Jefferson-Morgan, 71-0. The Trojans need to finish possessions and prevent the home team from using defensive stops to build an early lead.
Grove City (7-2) @ #5 (1A) Wilmington (8-1) 7:00 PM District-10
Wilmington enters No. 5 in PennLive’s Class 1A rankings after a 42-14 victory over Sharpsville, powered by 363 rushing yards. Chase Mitcheltree rushed for 131 yards and three touchdowns, while Cam Kettering added 154 yards on seven carries. Grove City looks to rebound from a 20-13 loss to Sharon, with quarterback Heath Hohman leading an offense that must sustain possessions to keep Wilmington’s ground game off the field.
