Week 5 is here, and Mr. PA Football is bringing you the top high school football matchups from across Pennsylvania and beyond. This week’s slate features three standout games, including a clash between unbeaten District-7 powers in Western Pennsylvania, a showdown of Colonial League contenders in District-11, and a major District-4 matchup as Mount Carmel puts its perfect record on the line against a Danville team seeking revenge.
Here’s our look at the biggest games across Pennsylvania.
#4 (4A) South Fayette (4-0) @ #7 (5A) Upper St. Clair (4-0)
Friday 7:00 PM District-7
Two undefeated District-7 powers meet Friday night when No. 4 South Fayette travels to No. 7 Upper St. Clair in one of Western Pennsylvania’s biggest Week 5 matchups. Both teams enter at 4-0, setting the stage for an important crossover game between one of the state’s top Class 4A programs and one of the top teams in Class 5A.
Upper St. Clair has built an impressive undefeated start against strong competition. The Panthers opened with a 35-0 shutout of Mt. Lebanon before beating North Allegheny, 21-14, and Canon-McMillan, 21-10. The Panthers followed that with a 49-7 victory over Chartiers Valley last week.
Junior quarterback Josh Snyder completed 8 of 16 passes for 169 yards against Chartiers Valley and threw a 12-yard touchdown pass to junior wide receiver Andrew Gaither. Senior running back/linebacker John Banbury, a Richmond recruit, leads a physical rushing attack, while senior offensive tackle/defensive lineman Ryan Robbins, a Penn State commit, anchors the Panthers on both sides of the line. Banbury, junior defensive lineman Will Stohl, senior linebacker Anthony Bunn and Robbins have been key parts of an Upper St. Clair defense that has allowed just 31 points through four games.
South Fayette is coming off a 21-0 shutout victory at Trinity. Sophomore running back Aayden Wright rushed 13 times for 137 yards and a touchdown, including a 70-yard scoring run, while senior quarterback/linebacker Braeden Plasko added a 44-yard rushing touchdown and threw a 33-yard touchdown pass to senior wide receiver Dylan Monz. Wright also rushed for 176 yards and two touchdowns in South Fayette’s 35-28 comeback win over Montour in Week 3.
Plasko, senior tight end/defensive end Jacob Bostian, Wright and Monz give head coach Marty Spieler an experienced group of playmakers. Bostian is a Division I prospect and one of the Lions’ top threats in the passing game, while he also helps lead a South Fayette defensive front that has played a major role in the 4-0 start.
- Panthers Stadium on Friday night.
- Two terrific coaches face off: South Fayette’s Marty Spieler and Upper St. Clair’s Mike Junko.
- Both teams enter the matchup undefeated at 4-0, making this one of the biggest games in District-7 this week.
Key Players to watch:
South Fayette
- Senior QB/LB Braeden Plasko
- Sophomore RB Aayden Wright
- Junior TE/DE Jacob Bostian
- Senior WR/CB Dylan Monz
- Senior RB/LB Luca Romanelli
Upper St. Clair
- Junior QB/ATH Josh Snyder
- Senior RB/LB John Banbury, a Richmond recruit
- Senior OT/DT Ryan Robbins, a Penn State commit
- Junior WR Andrew Gaither
- Junior NG/OG Will Stohl
Keys to the game: Upper St. Clair has already defeated quality opponents in North Allegheny and Canon-McMillan, and the Panthers’ defense has allowed only 31 points through four games. South Fayette has been equally impressive, with Wright rushing for 137 yards and a touchdown in last week’s shutout of Trinity and 176 yards and two scores in the win over Montour. The Lions will need Plasko, Wright and Bostian to generate offense against a physical Upper St. Clair defense, while the Panthers will look for Snyder, Banbury and Robbins to control the game at home. We have Upper St. Clair over South Fayette, 28-24.
Lehighton (4-0) @ #4 (5A) Southern Lehigh
7:00 PM District-11
Two undefeated Colonial League powers meet Friday night when Lehighton travels to No. 4 Southern Lehigh for one of the biggest District-11 matchups of Week 5. Both teams enter at 4-0 overall and 2-0 in Colonial League play, setting up an important showdown between Southern Lehigh’s high-powered offense and a Lehighton team that has controlled games with its rushing attack and defense. Southern Lehigh moved to Class 5A this season after winning the 2025 PIAA Class 4A championship, while Lehighton is a Class 4A program.
Southern Lehigh has continued to roll following last season’s state-title run. The Spartans opened with a 55-0 shutout of Quakertown before defeating Blue Mountain and Jim Thorpe. Southern Lehigh followed with a 48-0 shutout of Wilson Area last week to remain unbeaten.
Senior quarterback Colton Sams leads the Spartans’ offense after a productive start to the season. Through Southern Lehigh’s first two games, Sams threw for 667 yards, eight touchdowns and no interceptions. He then completed 14 passes for 133 yards and a touchdown while adding a 4-yard rushing score in the Spartans’ 43-7 win over Jim Thorpe. Senior wide receiver/defensive back Otto Young, senior H-back Jake Trembler and junior kicker/wide receiver LJ Martin give Southern Lehigh several experienced and versatile skill players.
Southern Lehigh’s veteran line includes senior offensive lineman/defensive lineman Lucas Sutyak, senior offensive lineman/defensive lineman Dylan Gretz, senior offensive lineman/defensive lineman Gabe Bogart and senior offensive lineman Cody Wesner. The group has helped Southern Lehigh establish balance offensively while also giving the Spartans a physical presence up front.
Lehighton has been just as impressive through its 4-0 start and enters Friday after a 41-0 shutout of Saucon Valley. Senior running back/defensive back Lukas Croizier rushed for four touchdowns in that victory, including scoring runs of 5, 54, 1 and 3 yards. Croizier is the centerpiece of the Indians’ offense and has been one of District 11’s most productive runners early in the season.
Head coach Tom McCarroll’s Indians have a physical front led by junior offensive lineman Dominic Lawrence and senior offensive lineman/defensive lineman Marc Macias. Senior linebacker Preston DiGrazia, junior linebacker Carl Lingham and junior tight end Ty Nansteel are among the key players on a Lehighton defense that has posted two shutouts this season.
- Southern Lehigh High School Stadium on Friday night.
- Two outstanding coaches square off: Southern Lehigh’s Phil Sams and Lehighton’s Tom McCarroll.
- Both teams enter the matchup undefeated at 4-0 and 2-0 in Colonial League play, making this one of the biggest games in District-11 this week.
Key Players to watch:
Southern Lehigh
- Senior QB Colton Sams
- Senior WR/CB Otto Young
- Senior RB Jake Trembler
- Senior C/DE Lucas Sutyak
- Senior DT/OT Dylan Gretz
- Senior OL/DL Gabe Bogart
- Junior FS/WR Jack Pavis
- Junior K/WR LJ Martin
Lehighton
- Senior RB/DB Lukas Croizier
- Junior DT/OT Dominic Lawrence
- Senior C/DT Marc Macias
- Senior LB Preston DiGrazia
- Junior LB Carl Lingham
- Junior TE Ty Nansteel
- Junior NG/OG Parker Rodgers
Keys to the game: Southern Lehigh will look to use Sams and its experienced group of receivers and linemen to create explosive plays and establish balance offensively. Lehighton will counter with Croizier, whose four-touchdown performance against Saucon Valley showed how dangerous the Indians can be when they control the line of scrimmage. The battle between Lehighton’s rushing attack and Southern Lehigh’s defensive front will be the key storyline. We have Southern Lehigh over Lehighton, 35-21.
#8 (3A) Mount Carmel (4-0) @ Danville (3-1)
Friday 7:00 PM District-4
One of the biggest small-school matchups in District-4 takes place Friday night when undefeated Mount Carmel travels to Danville. The Red Tornadoes enter at 4-0 and are ranked No. 8 in Class 3A, while the Ironmen are 3-1 and will look to defend their home field in an important PHAC Division-II contest. Mount Carmel defeated Danville, 61-13, last season, giving the Ironmen a major revenge storyline heading into Friday night’s matchup.
Mount Carmel has been dominant through the first four weeks, including a 55-7 victory at North Schuylkill last Friday. The Red Tornadoes rushed for 534 yards in that win, with senior RB/WR/DB Jaylen Delaney accounting for five touchdowns. Delaney scored on a 75-yard punt return, a 25-yard interception return, a 45-yard reception and rushing plays of 67 and 21 yards.
Sophomore quarterback/defensive back James Spears leads Mount Carmel’s offense, while senior running back/defensive back Cooper Karycki, senior tight end/defensive lineman Max Karycki and senior linebacker Jason Klokis give head coach John Darrah an experienced group of two-way contributors. Mount Carmel’s ground game and ability to create explosive plays in all three phases have been major reasons for its unbeaten start. Cooper Karycki rushed for 122 yards and two touchdowns and added a punt-return score in the Red Tornadoes’ 48-14 victory over Milton, while Max Karycki recorded 11 tackles and a half-sack in that game.
Danville enters the matchup at 3-1 after opening the season with three victories. Freshman quarterback Macon Patrick directs the Ironmen offense, while senior running backs Jack Rarig and Ben Nye lead the ground game. Danville rushed for 366 yards in its season-opening victory, with Rarig rushing 14 times for 78 yards and two touchdowns and Nye adding 21 carries for 87 yards and two scores.
Head coach Shawn Sheptock’s Ironmen will need their experienced group to play its best game against a Mount Carmel team that has been explosive on offense and opportunistic defensively. Senior wide receiver Mason Kingery gives Danville a target in the passing game, while senior defensive end Ben Koser is one of the Ironmen’s key defensive leaders.
- Ironmen Memorial Stadium in Danville on Friday night.
- Two rival programs and their coaches face off for the first time: Mount Carmel’s John Darrah and Danville’s Shawn Sheptock, who is in his first season leading the Ironmen.
- Mount Carmel enters the matchup undefeated at 4-0, while Danville is 3-1 and looking to earn a statement victory at home.
Key Players to watch:
Mount Carmel
- Senior RB/WR/DB Jaylen Delaney
- Sophomore QB/DB James Spears
- Senior RB/CB Cooper Karycki
- Senior DE/TE Max Karycki
- Junior LB/RB Jason Klokis
Danville
- Freshman QB Macon Patrick
- Senior RB/LB Jack Rarig
- Junior RB/LB Ben Nye
- Senior WR/DB Mason Kingery
- Junior DE/OT Ben Koser
- Junior WR/LB Myles Koser
- Freshman LB/RB Maxx Kitka
Keys to the game: Mount Carmel has been difficult to slow because of its powerful rushing attack and game-breaking athletes, with Delaney producing five touchdowns in last week’s 55-7 win over North Schuylkill. Danville will need to establish the run behind Rarig and Nye, keep the game in manageable situations for Patrick, and avoid the special-teams or defensive scores that can quickly change momentum. If the Ironmen can control the clock and limit Mount Carmel’s explosive plays, they have a chance to make it competitive. We have Mount Carmel over Danville, 42-21.
Quick Hitters Preview
Big School Class 4A-6A
North Penn (3-1) @ Central Bucks West (3-1) 07:00 PM District-1
North Penn heads to Central Bucks West after rolling past Pennsbury, 35-7, last week, with quarterback London Evans and wide receiver Will Rittenhouse connecting for a touchdown. The Knights, coached by Dick Beck, have won three-straight after their season-opening loss to Central York, while Rob Rowan’s CB West squad suffered its first loss, 14-7 to Pennridge. The Bucks will look to rebound at home in this key Suburban One League matchup.
#10 (6A) Pennridge (4-0) @ Central Bucks East (3-1) 07:00 PM District-1
Pennridge comes in unbeaten after rallying past Central Bucks West, 14-7, last week on Aiden Tetkowski’s late touchdown pass to Sean Leuthe. The Rams, coached by Kyle Beller, now face a Central Bucks East team coming off a 35-21 win over Neshaminy, with Michael Price entering the matchup with 11 total touchdowns on the season. John Donnelly’s Patriots will look to protect their home field against the unbeaten Rams.
West Chester East (3-1) @ Coatesville (2-2) 07:00 PM District-1
West Chester East heads to Coatesville riding a two-game winning streak after beating Methacton, 28-14, last week, with Logan Cummings leading the Vikings at quarterback. Dean Owens’ East squad faces a Coatesville team coming off a 35-7 win over Owen J. Roberts, as Matt Ortega’s Red Raiders look to build on their second straight victory.
West Chester Rustin (2-1) @ Downingtown West (3-1) 07:00 PM District-1
West Chester Rustin travels to Downingtown West after a 35-0 shutout of Norristown, powered by Zak Impriano’s 118 yards and three touchdowns and Jack Freney’s 129 yards and two scores. The Golden Knights, coached by Mike St. Clair, face a Whippets team coming off a dramatic 24-21 win over Perkiomen Valley, sealed by Keegan Charvet’s 45-yard field goal as time expired for Tom Kline’s third straight victory.
Upper Moreland (4-0) @ West Chester Henderson (3-1) 07:00 PM District-1
Upper Moreland brings an unbeaten record into West Chester after defeating Penn Wood, 21-12, last week, giving the Golden Bears four straight wins to open the season. Adam Beach’s squad will face a Henderson team coming off a 43-16 win over Upper Merion, with the Warriors now 3-1 under John Lunardi.
Susquehannock (4-0) @ Dover (3-1) 07:00 PM District-3
Susquehannock brings an unbeaten record into Dover after surviving Bermudian Springs, 17-16, last week, with Joe Sorice’s Warriors winning their fourth straight game. Wayne Snelbaker’s Dover Eagles have won three-straight after beating Northeastern, 23-17, last week, getting a touchdown run from Trey Smallwood and a strong defensive effort in the second half. The Warriors and Eagles meet in an important South Central Athletic Conference Division-2 matchup.
Solanco (4-0) @ Cocalico (3-1) 07:00 PM District-3
Solanco brings its 4-0 record into Cocalico after a 48-14 win over Muhlenberg, with Wesley Bard scoring five touchdowns to help the Golden Mules outscore opponents 169-46 through four games. Anthony Cox’s squad faces a Cocalico team coming off a 28-10 win over Warwick, as Bryan Strohl’s Eagles look to extend their three-game winning streak in this Section Three matchup.
Conestoga Valley (4-0) @ Ephrata (3-1) 07:00 PM District-3
Conestoga Valley brings a perfect 4-0 record into Ephrata after rolling past Governor Mifflin, 35-12, last week, with quarterback Cameron Bair continuing to lead the Buckskins’ offense. Jon Scepanski’s CV squad faces an Ephrata team that suffered its first loss, 7-0 to Exeter Township, last week, as Kris Miller’s Mountaineers look to rebound at home.
Mechanicsburg (3-1) @ Gettysburg (3-1) 07:00 PM District-3
Mechanicsburg heads to Gettysburg riding a three-game winning streak after a 28-21 win over Lower Dauphin, with quarterback Luke Reider leading the Wildcats’ offense. Dave Heckard’s squad faces a Gettysburg team looking to rebound from a 29-21 loss to Northern York, despite quarterback Grant Johnson throwing for three touchdowns, as John Johnson’s Warriors return home for a key conference matchup.
Cedar Crest (4-0) @ Manheim Township (3-1) 07:00 PM District-3
Manheim Township returns home looking to rebound from its first loss, a 17-0 setback at Wilson, as Mark Evans’ Blue Streaks face unbeaten Cedar Crest in an L-L League Section-1 showdown. The Falcons improved to 4-0 with a 28-19 win over Hempfield, with Isaiah Zimmerman rushing for two touchdowns to raise his season total to 10, while Nicholas Lambros’ squad looks to keep its perfect start intact.
#6 (5A) Penn-Trafford (4-0) @ Connellsville (3-1) 07:00 PM District-7
Penn-Trafford brings a perfect 4-0 record into Connellsville after dominating Franklin Regional, 68-0, last week, with Ben Grabowski leading the Warriors’ powerful ground game. John Ruane’s Warriors now face a Connellsville team that has won two straight, including a 25-13 victory over Uniontown, as Chad Lembo’s Falcons prepare for another tough WPIAL matchup. Linkon Keller leads the Connellsville offense with eight total touchdowns.
#5 (4A) Montour (3-1) @ #9 (5A) Thomas Jefferson (3-0) 07:00 PM District-7
Montour heads to Thomas Jefferson after improving to 3-1 with a 28-21 win over West Allegheny last week, led by quarterback Brandon Bennett, who has accounted for six total touchdowns this season. The Spartans, coached by Lou Cerro, face an unbeaten Jaguars team coming off a 70-35 win over Moon Area, with Tyler Eber and quarterback Harrison Kolling leading a Thomas Jefferson offense averaging 48 points per game. Bill Cherpak’s Jaguars will look to remain unbeaten in this non-conference WPIAL matchup.
North Allegheny (2-2) @ #1 (5A) Pine-Richland (3-1) 07:30 PM District-7
Pine-Richland comes in after a 41-6 win over Mt. Lebanon last week, while North Allegheny rallied past Hempfield, 14-7, behind two fourth-quarter touchdown passes from Brady Brinkley. The Tigers will try to slow down a Pine-Richland offense that has scored 172 points through four games in this non-conference WPIAL matchup.
#5 (6A) Parkland (3-1) @ Northampton (3-1) 07:00 PM District-11
Parkland heads to Northampton after shutting out Stroudsburg, 35-0, last week, a victory that gave Tim Moncman his 200th career win and 100th at Parkland. TJ Lawrence scored three touchdowns in the victory, including a 72-yard run, a 55-yard reception and a 65-yard punt return. Northampton enters at 3-1 after edging Liberty, 13-12, last week, setting up an intriguing conference matchup.
Allentown Central Catholic (2-2) @ Easton Area (2-2) 07:00 PM District-11
Allentown Central Catholic heads to Cottingham Stadium after shutting out East Stroudsburg South, 42-0, last week, with Jake Reichard’s Vikings looking to carry that momentum into another tough matchup. Easton enters after edging Bethlehem Catholic, 20-14, last Saturday, with Matt Senneca’s Red Rovers improving to 2-2. The two District-11 programs meet in a non-conference matchup.
William Allen (3-1) @ Bethlehem Catholic (3-1) 01:00 PM District-11
William Allen heads to Bethlehem Catholic after rolling past East Stroudsburg North, 47-0, last week, with quarterback Julian Pagan and running back Michael Taylor leading a Canaries offense averaging more than 34 points per game. Joel Rupp’s squad faces a Bethlehem Catholic team coming off a 20-14 loss to Easton Area, its first setback of the season, as Joe Bernard’s Golden Hawks look to rebound at home. The two District-11 programs meet in a non-conference matchup.
#7 (4A) Jersey Shore (3-1) @ Shikellamy (3-1) 07:00 PM District-4
Jersey Shore heads to Shikellamy looking to bounce back from a 35-14 loss to Shamokin last week, with quarterback Nolen Pauling throwing for 270 yards and two touchdowns and Conner Winters catching five passes for 154 yards and two scores. Tom Gravish’s Bulldogs face a Shikellamy team coming off a wild 48-44 victory over Williamsport, as Mike Hoover’s Braves enter at 3-1 behind receiver Thomas Pollock and a talented offensive attack. The two District-4 Class 4A programs meet in a key PA Heartland Athletic Conference Division-I matchup.
Big School/Small School Crossover
#10 (4A) General McLane (4-0) @ Corry (3-1) 07:00 PM District-10
General McLane brings a perfect 4-0 record to Corry after shutting out Oil City, 23-0, last week, with Marshall McCormick’s Lancers continuing to get strong play from running back Charlie Bennett. Corry has won three-straight since a season-opening loss to Grove City, including a 49-14 victory over North East last week, as Jeff Goodwill’s Beavers look to hand General McLane its first loss. The District-10 programs meet in an intriguing non-conference matchup.
DuBois (3-1) @ #9 (2A) Karns City (4-0) 07:00 PM District-9
DuBois heads to Karns City riding a three-game winning streak after blanking Punxsutawney, 21-0, last week, with London Duncan leading the Beavers’ ground game. TJ Wingard’s DuBois squad faces an unbeaten Karns City team coming off a 28-7 win over St. Marys, as quarterback Cole Johnston has accounted for 12 touchdowns through four games for Joe Sherwin’s Gremlins. The two District-9 Region-1 programs meet in a key conference matchup.
Small School Class 1A-3A
Slippery Rock (3-1) @ #8 (2A) Greenville (4-0) 07:00 PM District-10
Slippery Rock visits Greenville riding a three-game winning streak after a 52-21 win over Iroquois, with Kaine Humphrey Jr. leading the Rockets’ rushing attack. Steve Monteleone’s Class 3A squad faces an unbeaten Greenville team coming off a 41-0 shutout of Lakeview, as quarterback Cael Thurber accounted for four first-half touchdowns for Michael Menold’s Trojans. The two District-10 programs meet in a non-conference matchup.
Mercyhurst Prep (3-1) @ #5 (1A) Wilmington (3-1) 07:00 PM District-10
Mercyhurst Prep heads to Wilmington riding a three-game winning streak after rolling past Cochranton, 64-0, last week, with Vinnie Feliciano leading the Lakers’ offense. Jeff Root’s Class 1A squad faces a Wilmington team coming off a 25-14 loss to Farrell, its first setback of the season, as Chase Mitcheltree leads B. Phillian’s Greyhounds. The District-10 programs meet in a big non-conference matchup.
Muncy (3-1) @ Montgomery (3-1) 07:00 PM District-4
Muncy heads to Montgomery riding a three-game winning streak after rolling past Towanda, 32-9, last week, with Chris Persing’s Indians improving to 3-0 in Northern Tier League play. Montgomery also enters at 3-1 after defeating South Williamsport, 35-14, last week, as the Red Raiders look to protect their home field in this Northern Tier League Small School Division matchup. Both teams are 2-0 in league play.
Tyrone (3-1) @ Bellwood-Antis (3-1) 07:00 PM District-6
Tyrone heads to Bellwood-Antis after a 15-6 win over Bald Eagle Area, as Ben Walk threw for 186 yards and two touchdowns to Mason Emigh, who finished with five catches for 159 yards and both scores. Jason Jones’ Golden Eagles face a Bellwood-Antis team looking to rebound from a 28-26 loss at Central, where Alex McCartney and Bradyn Partner each topped 130 rushing yards and Chase Plummer added a touchdown run. It is a Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference matchup between two 3-1 teams.
Central Cambria (3-1) @ Penn Cambria (3-1) 07:00 PM District-6
Central Cambria heads to Penn Cambria riding a three-game winning streak after rolling past Greater Johnstown, 40-13, last week, with Ryan Chappell leading the Red Devils’ rushing attack. Don Fyfe’s Class 2A squad faces a Penn Cambria team coming off a 35-13 win over Bedford, with Evan Latterner and Corbin Vinglish leading the Panthers’ offense. The two District 6 programs meet in a key Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference West 2 matchup.
Bald Eagle Area (3-1) @ Philipsburg-Osceola (3-1) 07:00 PM District-6
Bald Eagle Area heads to Philipsburg-Osceola after a 15-6 loss to Tyrone, with Chase Cane and Sam Clark continuing to lead the Eagles’ offense. Jesse Nagle’s Class 2A squad faces a Philipsburg-Osceola team that has won three-straight after its season-opening loss to Central, including a 35-28 win over Penns Valley in which Damarcus Law rushed for 133 yards. Chris Dallape’s Mounties enter 2-0 in conference play, making this a key league matchup.
