Week 2 is here, and Mr. PA Football is bringing you the top high school football matchups across Pennsylvania and beyond. This week’s schedule features several important nonconference games, including two featured matchups involving some of the region’s top programs. The featured games include #3 Malvern Prep at #4 La Salle College and #2 St. Joseph’s Prep at #2 Brentwood Academy (TN).
Here’s our look at the biggest games across Pennsylvania.
Battle at the Beach: #3 Malvern Prep (0-0) @ #4 La Salle College (0-1)
Friday 5:00 PM
A major Week 2 matchup is set for Friday afternoon as Malvern Prep faces La Salle College at Carey Stadium at Ocean City High School in New Jersey. The game is part of the Battle at the Beach and features two highly regarded programs looking to make an early-season statement. La Salle’s schedule lists the matchup for Friday, Sept. 4, at 5 p.m. at Ocean City High School.
La Salle enters the game looking to bounce back from a 35-14 loss to Paramus Catholic. The Explorers remain one of Pennsylvania’s most talented programs, but they will need a stronger overall performance against a very talented Malvern Prep team.
Malvern Prep enters 2026 with an experienced core under head coach Dave Gueriera. The Friars were one of Pennsylvania’s top programs after an 8-2 season in 2025 and return several standouts, led by senior wide receiver Cade Cooper, an LSU commit. Senior linebacker Will Simmons, senior offensive/defensive lineman Tyler Graham and exceptional junior defensive end/tight end George Parkinson IV give Malvern Prep important two-way contributors.
- Carey Stadium at Ocean City High School on Friday.
- Two outstanding coaches square off: Malvern Prep’s Dave Gueriera and La Salle College’s Brett Gordon.
Key Players to watch
Malvern Prep:
- Senior WR Cade Cooper, an LSU commit
- Senior LB Will Simmons
- Senior OL/DL Tyler Graham, a Duke recruit
- Junior DE/TE George Parkinson IV
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 game will be decided by the line of scrimmage and by which team can avoid costly mistakes. Malvern Prep must establish its running game, protect its quarterback and create opportunities for Cooper and its other playmakers.
La Salle needs to respond quickly after the loss to Paramus Catholic last week. The Explorers must stay balanced offensively, limit turnovers and prevent Malvern Prep from controlling the tempo. We expect a physical and competitive contest between two talented programs. We have Malvern Prep over La Salle College, 28-27, in a thrilling Battle at the Beach matchup.
#2 St. Joseph’s Prep (0-0) @ #2 Brentwood Academy (TN) (1-1)
Friday 7:00 PM CT
The No. 2 ranked St. Joseph’s Prep Hawks travel to Tennessee on Friday night for a major interstate matchup against Brentwood Academy.
St. Joseph’s Prep enters the game with the expectations that come with being Pennsylvania’s No. 2 team. The Hawks have established themselves as one of the country’s premier programs through demanding schedules, outstanding team speed and a deep roster filled with college-level talent.
Brentwood Academy will have the home-field advantage and will look to use their size, athleticism and familiarity with the surroundings to challenge Pennsylvania’s No. 2 ranked team. The Eagles must slow St. Joseph’s Prep’s skill players, limit explosive plays and force the Hawks to sustain long drives.
- Carlton Flatt Field on Friday night.
- Two fantastic coaches face off: St. Joseph’s Prep’s Tim Roken and Brentwood Academy’s Paul Wade.
Key Players to watch:
St. Joseph’s Prep:
- Senior CB/ATH Masiia Acrey, a Syracuse commit
- Senior LB Brandon Lockley Jr., an Oregon recruit
- Senior RB/LB Jaylen Jones
- Junior QB Maxwell Rogers
- Senior TE Jake Wilson
- Senior LB John Boggs
- Senior FS Dariel Jaquez
- Junior WR Jett Harrison, an Ohio State commit
Brentwood Academy:
- Senior WR Kesean Bowman, a Tennessee commit
- Senior QB Crews Jenkins, an Ole Miss recruit
- Senior LB Kenneth Simon II, a Tennessee commit
- Junior DB Braylen Bedford
- Senior RB Larry Sanders II
- Senior OT Li’Marcus Jones, a Colorado recruit
- Senior OT Rance Brown, an Auburn commit
- Senior TE Judah Lancaster, a South Carolina recruit
- Senior K Owen Davies, a Notre Dame commit
Keys to the game:
This game will be decided at the line of scrimmage and in the passing game, where both offenses have shown they can strike fast. St. Joseph’s Prep is breaking in a new starting quarterback for its season opener and needs him to settle in quickly, while getting the ball to Jett Harrison early and often — the five-star junior caught 50 passes for 20 touchdowns a year ago and remains the Hawks’ best answer for manufacturing points on the road. The Hawks also lean on the memory of last season’s brutal 0-3 stretch against elite national competition; that experience should mean they don’t blink on a big stage in Tennessee.
Brentwood Academy has the benefit of two live games already under its belt, including a 49-14 rout of rival Brentwood in which quarterback Crews Jenkins threw four touchdowns. The Eagles need to keep that offensive rhythm going and put pressure on Harrison and the Hawks’ new-look attack before it finds its footing. A loss to a ranked Baylor squad earlier this season showed Brentwood is beatable when the game turns into a track meet, so containing the big play will matter as much for the home team as it does for the visitors. We expect a fast-paced, high-profile matchup between two national powers. We have Brentwood Academy over St. Joseph’s Prep, 31-27, in a hard-fought featured Game of the Week.
Quick Hitters Preview
Big School Class 4A-6A
#1 Central Catholic (1-0) @ Woodland Hills (1-0) 07:00 PM District-7
Central Catholic opened the season with a 45-30 victory over Bergen Catholic, while Woodland Hills defeated New Castle, 43-15. Central Catholic will look to carry its offensive momentum into Week 2 behind junior quarterback Owen Herrick and senior running back/linebacker Roman Thompson, while Woodland Hills head coach Brian Tarrant will look to keep the Wolverines’ offense moving after the strong opening-week showing.
#8 Upper St. Clair (1-0) @ North Allegheny (0-1) 07:30 PM District-7
Upper St. Clair opened the season with a dominant 35-0 victory over Mt. Lebanon, while North Allegheny was upset at home 13-3 by North Hills. Upper St. Clair head coach Mike Junko will look to keep the Panthers’ defense playing at a high level, while North Allegheny will try to rebound and use its home-field advantage in this WPIAL matchup.
#1 Don Bosco Prep (NJ) (1-0) @ #8 Roman Catholic (0-1) 07:00 PM
Don Bosco Prep opened the season with a 1-0 record after a 38-14 victory over Armwood, while Roman Catholic fell to St. John Bosco, 45-25, in its opener. Junior running back Ca’Si Thomas, who scored four touchdowns in the opener, will lead the Ironmen’s offensive attack as Roman Catholic looks to rebound at home. This interstate matchup features two nationally regarded programs under the Friday night lights in Philadelphia.
West Allegheny (1-0) @ #1 Pine-Richland (1-0) 07:00 PM District-7
West Allegheny opened the season with a 17-16 victory over Chartiers Valley, while No. 1 Pine-Richland cruised past Avon, Ohio, 48-18. Pine-Richland senior quarterback Aaron “Oobi” Strader, a Kent State recruit, will lead the Rams’ high-powered offense as Bob Palko’s West Allegheny squad looks to pull off the upset. This District-7 matchup brings together two unbeaten teams and two accomplished coaches in a key early-season test.
Peters Township (0-1) @ South Fayette (1-0) 07:00 PM District-7
Peters Township opened the season with a 19-3 loss to Canon-McMillan, while South Fayette defeated West Mifflin, 34-21. The Lions will look to carry that offensive momentum into their home opener as the Indians try to rebound in this District-7 matchup. South Fayette enters ranked No. 4 in the WPIAL Class 4A rankings, while Peters Township will be looking to make a statement on the road against one of the district’s top teams.
Central York (0-1) @ #10 North Penn (1-0) 07:00 PM
An exciting cross-regional match-up, Central York out of District-3, and North Penn out of District-1. Central York opened the season with a hard-fought 35-28 loss to state-ranked State College, while No. 10 North Penn dominated Lower Dauphin, 41-7. North Penn junior running back Ziyon Smith helped spark the Knights’ comeback in their opener, and Central York will look to rebound against one of Pennsylvania’s top Class 6A programs. The Panthers and Knights meet for the first time in a highly anticipated non-league matchup.
Wilson West Lawn (1-0) @ Central Bucks West (1-0) 7:00 PM
Another intriguing cross-regional game, Wilson West Lawn out of District-3, and Central Bucks West out of District-1. Wilson West Lawn opened the season with a 48-7 victory over Governor Mifflin, while Central Bucks West defeated Easton, 36-7. Senior tight end/defensive end Liam Laphen scored two touchdowns in the Bucks’ opener, and Central Bucks West will look to continue its strong start against a talented Wilson squad. The matchup brings together two unbeaten teams in a highly anticipated non-league test.
#5 Penn-Trafford (1-0) @ Hempfield Area (0-1) 07:00 PM District-7
No. 5 Penn-Trafford opened the season with a dominant 31-7 victory over Norwin, while Hempfield Area suffered a narrow 14-13 loss to Bethel Park. Penn-Trafford RB/LB Ben Grabowski will lead the Warriors’ defense and look to continue their strong start, while Hempfield Area aims to rebound at home in this District-7 matchup.
#2 DeMatha Catholic (MD) (1-0) @ #2 Imhotep Charter (1-0) 7:00 PM Saturday
No. 2 DeMatha Catholic opened the season with a 35-14 victory over No. 3 Archbishop Spalding, while No. 2 Imhotep Charter defeated Camden, 29-8. DeMatha senior Austin Barber scored twice in the opener, while Imhotep senior quarterback Joe McLeish connected with By’ire Murphy for a touchdown in the Panthers’ win. This Saturday night matchup brings together two nationally ranked powers from Maryland and Pennsylvania.
Cedar Cliff (0-1) @ #3 Harrisburg (1-0) 1:00 PM Saturday District-3
Cedar Cliff opened the season with a 30-20 loss to Red Land, while No. 3 Harrisburg defeated York, 40-19. The Cougars’ explosive offense will look to maintain its momentum as Cedar Cliff tries to rebound in this District-3 matchup. Harrisburg will also aim to remain unbeaten in its first home game of the season.
Downingtown West (0-1) @ Central Bucks South (0-1) 7:00 PM District-1
Downingtown West opened the season with a 51-20 loss to Bethlehem Freedom, while Central Bucks South fell to Archbishop Wood, 35-17. The Whippets will look to regroup on the road, while Central Bucks South intends to take advantage of its home field in this District-1 game. Both teams enter seeking their first win of the season.
Haverford School (0-0) @ #5 McDonogh (MD) (1-0) 1:00 PM Saturday
Haverford School opens its season Saturday against No. 5 McDonogh, which defeated Riverdale Baptist, 22-14, in its opener. The Eagles will look to build on that road victory, while the Fords begin their campaign against one of Maryland’s top programs. The matchup will be played at McDonogh’s Under Armour Stadium in Baltimore.
#6 Bishop McDevitt (1-0) @ Central Dauphin East (0-1) 07:00 PM District-3
No. 6 Bishop McDevitt opened the season with a 35-21 victory over Good Counsel, while Central Dauphin East fell to Cedar Crest, 45-12. Bishop McDevitt senior Zayden Smith, a versatile 6-foot-5 playmaker, will look to help the Crusaders maintain their momentum as Central Dauphin East seeks to rebound at home. This District-3 matchup features two Mid-Penn Commonwealth teams looking to make an early statement.
Big School/Small School Crossover
Mars Area (0-1) @ #2 Aliquippa (0-0) 07:00 PM District-7
Mars Area opened the season with a 27-14 loss to Seneca Valley, while No. 2 Aliquippa will make its 2026 debut Friday night. The Quips will look to dominate and send a message at home, while Mars seeks to bounce back against one of District-7’s most successful programs. This non-league matchup gives Aliquippa a challenging first test of the season.
#6 Avonworth (0-1) @ Central Valley (1-0) 07:00 PM District-7
No. 6 Avonworth opened the season with a 34-14 loss to Hopewell, while Central Valley defeated Beaver, 28-18. Central Valley senior quarterback Braddock Ambrose threw three touchdown passes in the Warriors’ opener, and Avonworth will look to regroup against the unbeaten District-7 contender.
Small School Class 1A-3A
California (1-0) @ #7 Fort Cherry (1-0) 07:00 PM District-7
California opened the season with a 40-6 victory over Mohawk, while No. 7 Fort Cherry rolled past Chartiers-Houston, 42-7. Fort Cherry quarterback Colin Sieg accounted for four touchdowns in the opener, throwing for two scores and running for two more. The unbeaten Trojans will now visit the defending WPIAL champion Rangers in a highly anticipated District-7 matchup.
Sharon (0-1) @ #8 Hickory (0-1) 7:00 PM Saturday District-10
Sharon opened the season with a 15-13 loss to Cathedral Prep, while No. 8 Hickory fell to Westinghouse, 20-6. Senior running back/strong safety Kelvin Morrison, a Virginia Tech commit, will look to help Hickory rebound at home, while Sharon seeks its first win of the season. Saturday’s matchup marks the seventh meeting between the programs in just over two years.
#1 Southern Columbia (1-0) @ #4 Williams Valley (1-0) 1:00 PM Saturday
Another anticipated cross-regional match-up, Southern Columbia out of District-4, and Williams Valley out of District-11. No. 1 Southern Columbia opened the season with a 34-27 victory over Wyomissing, while No. 4 Williams Valley edged Upper Dauphin, 15-14. Legendary Southern Columbia coach Jim Roth will lead the Tigers into Saturday afternoon’s showdown, with running back Joey Williams, who scored two touchdowns in the opener, providing a key offensive threat. Williams Valley will look to counter with its physical ground attack in this Saturday afternoon showdown. This matchup features two unbeaten, highly ranked programs in a battle between state championship contenders.
