Week 4 is here, and Mr. PA Football is bringing you the top high school football matchups across Pennsylvania and beyond. This week features three outstanding games, including an undefeated small-school showdown in Western Pennsylvania, a clash between two District-3 powers in Central PA, and one of the gigantic games in the state Saturday night at Franklin Field.
Here’s our look at the biggest games across Pennsylvania.
#4 (1A) Wilmington (3-0) @ #5 (2A) Farrell (3-0)
Friday 7:00 PM District-10
Two undefeated District-10 powers collide Friday night when Farrell travels to Wilmington for a battle between two of the hottest small-school teams in Pennsylvania. Both teams enter 3-0 and have been putting up big numbers offensively, setting the stage for one of the most entertaining small-school games of Week 4. Farrell has scored 178 points while allowing just 6, while Wilmington has scored 189 and allowed 25 through three games.
Farrell has been dominant through the first three weeks, opening the season with a 33-6 victory over Clairton before shutting out Lakeview 61-0 and Reynolds 84-0. Senior quarterback Aaron Pegues has been a key part of the Steelers’ offense, while Jason Marshall II, Dorean Cain and Deyontay Gillespie have also been key contributors. Farrell is averaging 59.3 points per game through its first three contests.
Wilmington has been just as productive, opening with a 55-13 victory at Slippery Rock before beating Reynolds 62-12 and Mercer 72-0. Senior RB/FS Chase Mitcheltree has been the Greyhounds’ biggest offensive weapon, averaging 245 rushing yards per game with four rushing touchdowns through three games. Junior QB/LB Rowan Miller has also played an important role for Wilmington, giving the Greyhounds another key two-way player heading into Friday night’s showdown with Farrell.
- Terry Verrelli Stadium on Friday night.
- Two outstanding coaches face off: Wilmington’s Brandon Phillian and Farrell’s Anthony Pegues.
- Both teams enter the matchup undefeated at 3-0, making this one of the biggest small-school games in District-10 this week.
Key Players to watch:
Wilmington
- Senior RB/FS Chase Mitcheltree
- Junior QB/LB Rowan Miller
Farrell
- Senior QB Aaron Pegues
- Junior RB/LB Jason Marshall II
- Senior LB/RB Dorean Cain
- Sophomore LB/FB Deyontay Gillespie
Keys to the game: Both teams have been nearly unstoppable offensively, but Farrell has been especially dominant defensively, allowing only six points through three games. Wilmington’s Mitcheltree gives the Greyhounds a major weapon on the ground, while Farrell has several players capable of making game-changing plays. This could come down to which defense can finally slow down the opposing offense. We have Farrell over Wilmington, 42-35.
#9 (6A) Manheim Township (3-0) @ Wilson West Lawn (2-1)
7:00 PM District-3
Two District-3 powers meet Friday night when undefeated Manheim Township travels to Wilson. The Blue Streaks are 3-0 after victories over Cumberland Valley, Neshaminy and Central York, while Wilson enters 2-1 following wins over Governor Mifflin and Muhlenberg and a loss to Central Bucks West. The teams are meeting at InstaShine Field at John Gurski Stadium.
Manheim Township quarterback Dayne Byler has been one of the team’s key offensive players. Against Central York, Byler completed 11 of 16 passes for 217 yards, a touchdown and an interception. Junior running back P.J. Myers rushed 25 times for 165 yards and a touchdown, while junior wide receiver Chase Fletcher had two catches for 98 yards and a touchdown, including an 80-yard scoring reception.
Wilson has plenty of playmakers of its own. Senior running back Justice Hardy, a Louisville commit, was named Wilson’s offensive Player of the Game in the Bulldogs’ season-opening victory over Governor Mifflin. Hardy rushed for 104 yards and two touchdowns on six carries in that game.
Hardy suffered a shoulder injury against Central Bucks West on Sept. 4 and missed Wilson’s Week 3 game against Muhlenberg. His availability for Friday remains a key storyline. Senior Michael Glover was Wilson’s defensive Player of the Game against Muhlenberg, while senior quarterback Cole Peterson, senior running back Monty Greer, junior Damian Greer and senior Rory Carter are also key players for the Bulldogs.
- John Gurski Stadium on Friday night.
- Two terrific coaches square off: Manheim Township’s Mark Evans and Wilson’s Doug Dahms.
- Manheim Township enters the matchup at 3-0, while Wilson is 2-1, setting up an important District-3 showdown.
Key Players to watch:
Manheim Township
- Junior QB Dayne Byler
- Junior RB PJ Myers
- Junior WR/FS Chase Fletcher
- Senior LB/RB Dehvyn Lauano
Wilson
- Senior RB/DB Justice Hardy, a Louisville commit
- Senior TE/DE Michael Glover
- Senior QB/DB Cole Peterson
- Senior RB/DB Monty Greer
- Junior RB/DB/WR Damian Greer
- Senior WR/DB Rory Carter
Keys to the game: Manheim Township has shown the ability to win in different ways, while Wilson has the explosive playmakers to make this a difficult matchup. The biggest question may be whether Hardy is able to return after missing last week’s game. If he cannot go, Wilson will need other players such as Peterson, Glover and the Greer brothers to help carry the offense. We have Manheim Township over Wilson, 31-24.
#4 (6A) St. Joseph’s Prep (1-1) vs. Malvern Prep (1-1)
Friday 7:00 PM
One of the gigantic games in Pennsylvania takes place Saturday night at Franklin Field when St. Joseph’s Prep meets Malvern Prep. Both teams enter 1-1, and both are looking to bounce back after suffering losses last weekend. The programs will meet for the first time since 2015.
St. Joseph’s Prep opened the season with a 31-23 win over Brentwood Academy before falling to Bergen Catholic 33-3. Junior wide receiver Jett Harrison is one of the Hawks’ biggest offensive weapons, while senior defensive back Masiia Acrey and senior linebacker Brandon Lockley Jr. lead a talented defensive group.
The Hawks will enter Saturday’s matchup with uncertainty at quarterback after junior starter Max Rogers suffered an upper-body injury against Bergen Catholic. Junior Nickee Holden replaced Rogers in that game, leaving the quarterback situation as one of the major storylines heading into Saturday.
Malvern Prep opened the season with a 21-0 shutout of La Salle College before dropping a 27-21 decision to Imhotep Charter. Junior running back Julius Riddick has been one of the Friars’ biggest offensive weapons, rushing for 201 yards and four touchdowns through two games.
Malvern also features senior wide receiver Cade Cooper, an LSU commit, senior linebacker Will Simmons, senior offensive tackle Tyler Graham, a Duke recruit, and junior defensive end/tight end George Parkinson IV. Cooper gives the Friars another major weapon on the outside as they prepare for Saturday night’s showdown.
- Franklin Field on Saturday night.
- Two fantastic coaches face off: St. Joseph’s Prep’s Tim Roken and Malvern Prep’s Dave Gueriera.
- Both teams enter the matchup at 1-1, setting up the first meeting between the programs since 2015.
Key Players to watch:
St. Joseph’s Prep
- Senior CB/ATH Masiia Acrey, a Syracuse commit
- Senior LB Brandon Lockley Jr., an Oregon recruit
- Junior WR Jett Harrison, an Ohio State commit
Malvern Prep
- Junior RB Julius Riddick
- Senior WR Cade Cooper, an LSU commit
- Senior LB Will Simmons
- Senior OT/DT Tyler Graham, a Duke recruit
- Junior DE/TE George Parkinson IV
Keys to the game: Malvern has a major weapon in Riddick, who has already rushed for 201 yards and four touchdowns, while Cooper gives the Friars a big-play threat on the outside. St. Joseph’s Prep will counter with Harrison and a defense led by Acrey and Lockley. The quarterback situation for the Hawks will also be something to watch closely. We have St. Joseph’s Prep over Malvern Prep, 28-21.
Quick Hitters Preview
Big School Class 4A-6A
Spring-Ford (3-0) @ Downingtown East (2-0) 07:00 PM District-1
Two undefeated District-1 powers meet as Michael Palmer and Spring-Ford travel to face Michael Matta and Downingtown East. The Rams enter 3-0 after a 43-6 win over Avon Grove, while the Cougars are 2-0 after opening the season with wins over Northeast and Perkiomen Valley. Downingtown East will look to slow a Spring-Ford offense that has been productive throughout the opening weeks. This matchup should provide an early measuring stick for two teams with high expectations in District-1.
#7 (6A) Central Bucks West (3-0) @ Pennridge (3-0) 07:00 PM District-1
It is an undefeated District-1 matchup as No. 7 Central Bucks West travels to face Kyle Beller and Pennridge. Both teams enter 3-0, giving this game plenty of significance early in the season. The Bucks are ranked seventh in PennLive’s latest Class 6A rankings, while Pennridge is looking to remain unbeaten against one of the state’s ranked teams. With both teams still undefeated, this should be a physical battle from the opening kickoff.
Central York (1-2) @ Spring Grove (3-0) 07:00 PM District-3
Central York heads to Spring Grove for a District-3 matchup between a 6A program and a 5A contender. Gerry Yonchiuk and the Panthers are coming off a 31-27 loss to Manheim Township, while Tom Trone and the Rockets enter 3-0 after opening the season with wins over Northern York, Garden Spot and Milton Hershey. Central York has shown the ability to put points on the board, but Spring Grove’s unbeaten start makes this another important test for the Panthers. The Rockets will look to protect their perfect record at home.
#4 (4A) Jersey Shore (3-0) @ #1 (4A) Shamokin (3-0) 07:00 PM District-4
Two undefeated 4A powers collide as No. 4 Jersey Shore travels to No. 1 Shamokin in a major District-4 showdown. Tom Gravish has Jersey Shore off to a 3-0 start after wins over North Schuylkill, Montoursville and Selinsgrove, while Marc Persing and Shamokin enter after shutting out Shikellamy 37-0. Jersey Shore will look to continue its strong offensive start against a Shamokin defense that has been difficult to score against. With both teams ranked in PennLive’s 4A top four, this is one of the biggest games on the District-4 schedule.
West Allegheny (2-1) @ #6 (4A) Montour (2-1) 07:00 PM District-7
West Allegheny travels to Montour in an intriguing matchup between two District-7 programs entering the game at 2-1. Bob Palko and the Indians are coming off a 49-10 victory over Gateway, while Montour enters after a 35-28 loss to South Fayette. The Spartans are ranked No. 6 in PennLive’s Class 4A rankings and will look to bounce back at home. Both teams will be looking to make a statement in this matchup.
Norwin (2-1) @ #1 (6A) Pittsburgh Central Catholic (3-0) 07:00 PM District-7
Norwin travels to face No. 1 Pittsburgh Central Catholic in one of the week’s biggest District-7 matchups. Mike Brown and the Knights enter 2-1 after wins over Greater Latrobe and Franklin Regional, while Ryan Lehmeier and Central Catholic are 3-0 following a 48-24 victory over Pine-Richland. Central Catholic junior running back Chrys Black has been one of the Vikings’ top offensive weapons, including a four-touchdown performance against Pine-Richland. Norwin will need a strong effort on both sides of the ball against the state’s No. 1 Class 6A team.
Oil City (2-1) @ #10 (4A) General McLane (3-0) 07:00 PM District-10
No. 10 General McLane puts its unbeaten record on the line as Oil City travels to face the Lancers in a District-10 game. Marshall McCormick and General McLane are 3-0 after wins over Central Clarion, Fort LeBoeuf and Warren, while Oil City enters at 2-1 following a 41-19 loss to Sharon. The Lancers have been impressive during their unbeaten start and will look to continue that momentum against an Oil City team looking to bounce back. General McLane is ranked No. 10 in PennLive’s latest Class 4A rankings.
Bethlehem Freedom (2-1) @ Nazareth (2-1) 07:00 PM District-11
Freedom travels to Nazareth for an important District-11 matchup between two teams entering at 2-1. Tom Falzone and the Blue Eagles are looking to build on their strong start, while Freedom comes off a thrilling 32-31 victory over Phillipsburg. Both teams have already shown they can put points on the board, setting up an intriguing matchup. With identical 2-1 records, each team will be looking to move to 3-1.
#2 (4A) Pope John Paul II (3-0) @ Bishop Shanahan (3-0) 07:00 PM District-1
Two unbeaten District-1 Class 4A teams meet Friday night as Darrell Scott and Pope John Paul II travel to face Paul Meyers and Bishop Shanahan. The Golden Panthers have opened the season with wins over Lansdale Catholic, Neumann-Goretti and West Chester Rustin, with junior running back Kassidy Jackson leading the ground game with 284 rushing yards and six touchdowns. Bishop Shanahan is also 3-0 after victories over John Bartram, High School of the Future and Phoenixville, including a 35-12 win over Phoenixville last week. The Eagles defeated Pope John Paul II, 42-21, in last year’s District-1 Class 4A championship game, adding another storyline to this early-season showdown.
Upper Darby (2-1) @ #8 (5A) Chester (3-0) 11:00 AM Saturday District-1
Upper Darby enters Week 4 at 2-1, while Chester remains undefeated at 3-0 after opening the season with a 22-10 victory over Strath Haven and a 32-30 win at Northeast. The Clippers have established themselves as one of District-1’s top teams early in the season and will look to remain unbeaten against an Upper Darby team looking to bounce back from its loss to Strath Haven. Chester’s strong start has put the Clippers in the statewide conversation heading into Saturday morning’s matchup.
#5 (4A) South Fayette (3-0) @ Trinity (2-1) 07:00 PM District-7
South Fayette enters Week 4 undefeated after rallying from a 28-13 deficit to defeat Montour, 35-28, last week, while Trinity is coming off a 44-20 loss to Hempfield Area. The Lions have been one of District-7’s better teams early in the season and will look to keep their perfect record intact on the road. South Fayette will look to senior standout Aayden Wright to help lead the Lions against a Trinity team looking to rebound at home.
#1 (5A) Pine-Richland (2-1) @ Mt. Lebanon (0-2) 07:00 PM District-7
Pine-Richland enters Week 4 at 2-1 after falling to Central Catholic, 48-24, last week, while Mt. Lebanon is still looking for its first victory at 0-2. The Rams will look to bounce back quickly against a Mt. Lebanon team hoping to get its season headed in the right direction. Pine-Richland enters the matchup as one of the top-ranked teams in Pennsylvania and will be looking to regain momentum in another tough District-7 battle.
Stroudsburg (2-1) @ #5 (6A) Parkland (2-1) 07:00 PM Thursday District-11
Stroudsburg and Parkland both enter Week 4 with 2-1 records in an important District-11 matchup Thursday night. Parkland has already shown it can compete with top competition and will look to protect its home field against a Stroudsburg team that has won two of its first three games. The Trojans will look to their experienced roster and head coach Tim Moncman to keep their strong start going against Stroudsburg.
Pleasant Valley (2-1) @ Whitehall (2-1) 07:00 PM District-11
Pleasant Valley travels to Whitehall Friday night for a matchup between two 2-1 District-11 teams. Both programs have put together strong starts and will look to use this game to gain momentum as the district race begins to take shape. Whitehall will look to head coach Cameron Barker and the Rams to defend their home field against Pleasant Valley.
North Hills (2-0) @ Peters Township (1-2) 07:00 PM District-7
North Hills enters Week 4 unbeaten after victories over North Allegheny, 13-3, and Bethel Park, 29-6, while Peters Township is coming off a 16-0 shutout of Mt. Lebanon. Eric Kasperowicz and North Hills will look to junior quarterback/safety Talen Stauffer, junior running back Jaden Blair and junior wide receiver Santino Belusko to lead the way on the road. TJ Plack and Peters Township will counter at home as both teams look to make a statement in this District-7 matchup.
Big School/Small School Crossover
#4 (3A) Propel Braddock Hills (2-1) @ McKeesport (1-2) 07:00 PM District-7
Propel Braddock Hills enters Week 4 at 2-1 and will travel to McKeesport for a District-7 matchup against a Tigers team coming off a 28-17 loss to Montour. McKeesport will be looking to get back in the win column against one of the state’s highly regarded Class 3A programs. The Tigers will be led by 5-star Kemon Spell, the reigning Mr. PA Football, who will be one of the biggest names on the field Friday night.
#10 (2A) West Catholic (3-0) @ #9 (4A) Cardinal O’Hara (3-0) 07:00 PM District-12
This is a big District-12 crossover matchup between two undefeated teams, with West Catholic entering at 3-0 and Cardinal O’Hara also sitting at 3-0. West Catholic enters the game ranked No. 10 in Class 2A, while Cardinal O’Hara is ranked No. 9 in Class 4A, making this one of the most intriguing matchups of the week. Both teams will look to keep their perfect records intact in a game featuring two of District-12’s strongest starts to the season.
#5 (3A) Scranton Prep (2-1) @ Delaware Valley (1-2) 04:00 PM Saturday District-2
Scranton Prep enters Week 4 at 2-1 and will travel to Delaware Valley, which sits at 1-2, for a Saturday afternoon District-2 matchup. The Cavaliers are coming off a strong start to the season and will look to continue their momentum against a Delaware Valley team looking to even its record. Scranton Prep will look to head coach Rich Ambrose and its experienced roster to lead the Cavaliers on the road.
Conwell-Egan (2-1) @ Archbishop Wood (2-1) 07:00 PM District-12
Conwell-Egan and Archbishop Wood both enter Week 4 at 2-1 in another important District-12 matchup. Archbishop Wood is coming off a 38-24 loss to La Salle College, while Conwell-Egan will look to build on its strong start to the season. Archbishop Wood is listed among PennLive’s Class 3A Teams to Watch and will look to head coach Brian Goettner to help the Vikings rebound Friday night.
Central Valley (2-1) @ #6 (3A) Hopewell (2-1) 07:00 PM District-7
Central Valley and Hopewell both enter Week 4 at 2-1 in an intriguing District-7 crossover matchup. Hopewell will look to bounce back from a 28-21 loss to Propel Braddock Hills behind junior quarterback James “Booboo” Armstrong, a Penn State commit, and junior wide receiver Avery Bokor. Armstrong opened the season with 188 passing yards and a touchdown while adding 84 rushing yards and two scores against Avonworth, while Bokor had four catches for 142 yards and a touchdown in that victory.
Small School Class 1A-3A
Bald Eagle Area (3-0) @ Tyrone (2-1) 07:00 PM District-6
Bald Eagle Area enters Week 4 undefeated at 3-0 after a 31-7 victory over Penns Valley, while Tyrone is 2-1 following a 21-14 loss to Central. The Eagles have put together an impressive start and will look to continue their unbeaten run against a Tyrone team looking to bounce back. Bald Eagle Area is one of PennLive’s Class 2A Teams to Watch and will look to head coach Jessie Rawlings to keep the Eagles rolling.
#3 (1A) Fort Cherry (3-0) @ Monessen (3-0) 07:00 PM District-7
Two undefeated teams meet when Fort Cherry travels to Monessen in a key District-7 small-school matchup. The Rangers are 3-0 after wins over Chartiers-Houston, California and Laurel, with senior running back Eli Salvini averaging 183.5 rushing yards per game and senior wide receiver Landon Trnavsky averaging 93 receiving yards per game. Freshman quarterback Colin Sieg, who also plays free safety, has helped Fort Cherry get off to its perfect start.
Waynesburg Central (3-0) @ #9 (3A) Elizabeth-Forward (3-0) 07:00 PM District-7
Waynesburg Central and Elizabeth-Forward both bring perfect 3-0 records into Friday night’s matchup. The Raiders have outscored their first three opponents 105-14, including a 35-0 shutout of Albert Gallatin last week, while Elizabeth-Forward is coming off a 45-0 victory over South Park. Sophomore running back Rocco Thompson leads the Warriors with 390 rushing yards and nine touchdowns, while junior quarterback Kaden Allen has added 265 rushing yards and five touchdowns.
