Week 7 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-3 powers in Central Pennsylvania, a battle between WPIAL Class 5A contenders in Western Pennsylvania, and the annual Battle of the Brandywine between two of District-1’s top Class 6A teams.
Here’s our look at the biggest games across Pennsylvania.
#5 (5A) Twin Valley (6-0) @ Solanco (6-0)
Friday 7:00 PM District-3
Two undefeated District-3 powers meet Friday night when Twin Valley travels to face Solanco in one of the biggest games on the Week 7 schedule. Both teams enter the matchup at 6-0 and have dominated throughout the first six weeks, setting the stage for a showdown between two of the top Class 5A teams in District-3.
Twin Valley has been impressive from opening night, outscoring its first six opponents 217-33. The Raiders opened with a 42-0 victory over Middletown before defeating Susquehanna Township, Wyomissing, Manheim Central, Garden Spot and Fleetwood. Their recent results include a 39-0 shutout of Manheim Central, a 42-6 victory over Garden Spot and a 35-0 shutout of Fleetwood last Friday.
Senior running back/linebacker Lucas Myers has been one of the Raiders’ leading offensive weapons, rushing for 442 yards and six touchdowns this season. Myers rushed for 154 yards and three touchdowns against Wyomissing and added another 100-yard performance against Manheim Central. Sophomore quarterback Gavan Foster has directed the Twin Valley offense, while junior Maverik Foster has contributed as a runner and returner.
Head coach Brett Myers has Twin Valley playing excellent football on both sides of the ball. The Raiders have allowed only 33 points through six games and recorded three shutouts, holding Middletown, Manheim Central and Fleetwood scoreless.
Solanco has been just as dominant during its perfect start. The Golden Mules have defeated Lampeter-Strasburg, Dallastown, Penn Manor, Muhlenberg, Cocalico and Warwick while scoring at least 35 points in every game. Solanco defeated Warwick, 35-10, last Friday to improve to 6-0.
Senior quarterback Chase Sensenig has been one of Solanco’s most important players on both sides of the ball. Against Warwick, Sensenig completed 3-of-5 passes for 49 yards and a touchdown, rushed for 36 yards and two touchdowns and intercepted a pass. Junior Wesley Bard led the Golden Mules with 147 rushing yards and a touchdown on 10 carries, while junior Tristan Brown added 55 rushing yards and an interception.
Head coach Anthony Cox has Solanco playing physical football on both sides of the ball. The Golden Mules have relied heavily on their rushing attack throughout the season, while their defense has also created turnovers, including two interceptions in last week’s victory over Warwick.
- Solanco Stadium in Quarryville will host Friday night’s showdown between two undefeated District-3 powers.
- Two of District-3’s top coaches, Twin Valley’s Brett Myers and Solanco’s Anthony Cox, will square off Friday night.
- Both teams enter the matchup undefeated at 6-0, making this one of the biggest games in District-3 this week.
Key Players to watch:
Twin Valley
- Senior LB/RB Lucas Myers
- Sophomore QB/FS Gavan Foster
- Junior RB/FS Maverik Foster
- Senior SS/WR Grant Moser
- Senior WR/ATH Brody Majeski
- Senior TE/LB Jayce Oliver
Solanco
- Senior QB Chase Sensenig
- Junior RB/FS Wesley Bard
- Senior LB/RB Kali Hines
- Senior RB/LB Chase Plastino
- Senior G/DT Noah Gote
Keys to the game: Twin Valley will look to establish its physical rushing attack with Myers and the Foster brothers while relying on a defense that has been nearly impossible to score against during the first six weeks. Solanco will counter with its powerful ground game, led by Bard and Sensenig, while looking for Sensenig to make plays through the air and create opportunities with his legs. The Golden Mules will need to avoid turnovers and find a way to move the football consistently against a Twin Valley defense that has posted three shutouts. With both teams undefeated, this should be a physical battle from start to finish, but Twin Valley’s defense could be the difference. We have Twin Valley over Solanco, 28-24.
#8 (5A) Thomas Jefferson (5-0) @ West Allegheny (4-2)
7:00 PM District-7
Two of District-7’s top Class 5A teams meet Friday night when undefeated Thomas Jefferson travels to West Allegheny for a key Allegheny Six Conference matchup. The Jaguars enter at 5-0, while the Indians are 4-2 and unbeaten in four home games this season. Both teams are 1-0 in conference play.
Thomas Jefferson has been one of the WPIAL’s most consistent programs under head coach Bill Cherpak, and the Jaguars have continued that tradition during their undefeated start. Thomas Jefferson opened the season with a 34-6 victory over Belle Vernon before defeating McKeesport, Moon Area, Montour and Trinity. The Jaguars closed last week with a hard-fought 19-14 victory over Trinity.
Senior running back Tyler Eber has been the centerpiece of the Thomas Jefferson offense. Eber rushed for 270 yards and three touchdowns on 32 carries in the victory over Trinity, accounting for all three of the Jaguars’ touchdowns. His ability to control the game on the ground will be one of the biggest challenges facing the West Allegheny defense.
Cherpak has built Thomas Jefferson into one of the most successful programs in WPIAL history. Now in his 32nd season, Cherpak has won a record 10 WPIAL championships and five PIAA titles, giving the Jaguars plenty of experience in games of this magnitude.
West Allegheny enters Friday night at 4-2 after winning all four of its home games. The Indians opened with a 17-16 victory over Chartiers Valley, lost at Pine-Richland, defeated Gateway, 49-10, and then dropped a 21-20 decision at Montour. They have since earned consecutive home victories over Moon Area, 21-13, and Bethel Park, 33-13. Head coach Bob Palko also has a special connection to Mr. PA Football, as he and the Indians played Chartiers Valley in the inaugural Mr. PA Football Kickoff Classic, representing the Western game on the opening weekend.
Senior quarterback Mason Bryan has been a major part of West Allegheny’s success this season, providing the Indians with a dangerous dual-threat option. Bryan has accounted for more than 1,200 total yards this season and has helped lead West Allegheny to four straight victories at home.
Senior Brodie Cornell has also been an important piece of the Indians’ offense and defense, giving West Allegheny another experienced playmaker on both sides of the ball. The Indians will need their playmakers to come through against a Thomas Jefferson team that has yet to lose this season.
- Joe P. DeMichela Stadium in Imperial will host Friday night’s showdown between two of District-7’s top Class 5A programs.
- Two of the WPIAL’s most accomplished coaches, Thomas Jefferson’s Bill Cherpak and West Allegheny’s Bob Palko, will square off Friday night.
- Thomas Jefferson enters undefeated at 5-0, while West Allegheny is 4-2 overall and 4-0 at home. Both teams are looking to improve to 2-0 in Allegheny Six Conference play.
Key Players to watch:
Thomas Jefferson
- Senior RB/LB Tyler Eber
- Junior QB/DB Harrison Kolling
- Junior RB/LB Alejandro Aleman
- Senior WR/DB Elijah Fant
- Senior WR/DB Jayden Hrebik
- Senior WR/LB Kane Eggerton
- Senior TE/DE Lucas Patterson
West Allegheny
- Senior QB/FS Mason Bryan
- Senior RB/FS Brodie Cornell
- Junior C/DE Liam Blumling
- Senior RB/LB Austin Probert
- Junior WR/LB Nico Police
Keys to the game: Thomas Jefferson will look to establish Eber and its physical rushing attack while making West Allegheny defend the entire field. The Indians will need Bryan to make plays with his arm and legs while finding ways to get Cornell and their other playmakers involved. West Allegheny has been extremely tough at home this season, but Thomas Jefferson enters undefeated and has the experience of Cherpak and a powerful running game led by Eber. The Jaguars will have to handle the Indians’ home-field advantage and avoid giving West Allegheny extra opportunities. We have Thomas Jefferson over West Allegheny, 31-24.
Downingtown West (5-1) @ #7 (6A) Downingtown East (5-0)
Friday 7:00 PM District-1
Two of District-1’s top Class 6A teams meet Friday night when Downingtown West travels to Downingtown East for the annual Battle of the Brandywine. The Whippets enter at 5-1, while the Cougars are undefeated at 5-0, with both teams 1-0 in Ches-Mont North play.
Downingtown East has put together an impressive start under head coach Michael Matta. The Cougars opened the season with a 19-7 victory over Northeast before defeating Perkiomen Valley, 28-21, Spring-Ford, 35-7, Oxford, 49-0, and Bishop Shanahan, 35-0. East has scored at least 28 points in each of its last four games and has allowed just 35 points through five games.
Junior running back Juelz Chiron-Robinson has been one of the Cougars’ biggest offensive weapons. Chiron-Robinson scampered for 239 yards and five touchdowns in East’s 35-0 victory over Bishop Shanahan, making him one of the top candidates for this week’s Mr. PA Football Player of the Week. The junior also rushed for 1,884 yards and 20 touchdowns as a sophomore.
Senior quarterback Ethan Ellis gives the Cougars an experienced leader under center, while senior Abraham Sesay provides a major two-way presence. Junior Madden Miller and seniors Charlie Mapes and Dylan Benjamin add experience to an East team that has been outstanding defensively during its undefeated start.
Downingtown West has bounced back from its season-opening loss to Freedom with five consecutive victories. The Whippets have defeated Central Bucks South, Owen J. Roberts, Perkiomen Valley, West Chester Rustin and Coatesville during that winning streak, with last week’s 41-19 victory over Coatesville pushing their record to 5-1.
Senior running back Amari Cannon has been sensational during West’s recent run. Cannon rushed for 278 yards and five touchdowns in the victory over Coatesville, making him another Mr. PA Football Player of the Week candidate. His performance gives the Whippets a powerful rushing threat heading into Friday night’s rivalry game.
Senior quarterback Devin Manning leads the West offense, while senior Marcus McComsey and senior Brendon Kimble give the Whippets additional experienced playmakers. Junior Jordan Quigley and seniors Max Wolfington and Cannon provide plenty of experience on the defensive side of the football.
- Walter E. Kottmeyer Stadium will host Friday night’s annual Battle of the Brandywine between two of District-1’s top Class 6A programs, with both schools sharing the stadium as their home venue.
- Downingtown East head coach Michael Matta and Downingtown West head coach Tom Kline will meet in a matchup featuring two experienced Ches-Mont programs.
- Downingtown East enters undefeated at 5-0, while Downingtown West is 5-1, with both teams 1-0 in Ches-Mont North play.
Key Players to watch:
Downingtown West
- Senior RB/SS Amari Cannon, a UMass recruit
- Senior QB Devin Manning
- Senior RB/DB Marcus McComsey
- Senior WR/CB Brendon Kimble
- Senior LB/FB Max Wolfington
- Senior TE/LB Wyatt Fowler
- Junior LB Ryan Neuhaus
Downingtown East
- Junior RB Juelz Chiron-Robinson
- Senior QB Ethan Ellis
- Senior DE/TE Abraham Sesay, a Notre Dame commit
- Junior WR/DB Madden Miller
- Senior LB Charlie Mapes
- Senior DB Dylan Benjamin
Keys to the game:
Downingtown West will need to sustain drives, protect the football and finish scoring opportunities against an East defense that has allowed only 35 points through five games. The Cougars will look for Ellis to distribute the ball efficiently and use Sesay and Miller to challenge West’s defense, while Chiron-Robinson gives East a dynamic threat on the ground. West will counter with Cannon, who is coming off a five-touchdown performance against Coatesville, and an offense that has won five straight games. With both programs sharing Kottmeyer Stadium, this matchup should turn more on execution than venue familiarity. We have Downingtown East over Downingtown West, 28-24.
Quick Hitters Preview
Big School Class 4A-6A
Penn Manor (5-1) @ Manheim Township (5-1) 07:00 PM District-3
Penn Manor carries a three-game winning streak into Friday night’s showdown after defeating Hempfield, 28-23, last week to move to 3-0 in Lancaster-Lebanon League Section-1 play. Jalen Dupree has seven reported touchdowns this season, while Randy Guthrie leads the Comets’ posted rushing and receiving statistics. Manheim Township has also won two straight, including a 42-30 victory at William Penn in which Parrish Myers rushed for 175 yards and three touchdowns. The Section-1 rivals meet at Gene Kruis Field with league positioning and District-3 Class 6A playoff implications at stake.
Strath Haven (5-1) @ #10 (5A) Garnet Valley (5-0) 07:00 PM District-1
Strath Haven heads to Garnet Valley after defeating Marple Newtown, 45-14, while the unbeaten Jaguars are coming off a 48-21 victory over Conestoga. Garnet Valley, led by head coach Eric Van Wyk, has been putting points on the board, including 49 against Marple Newtown the previous week. Coach Kevin Clancy’s Panthers will look to hand the Jaguars their first loss in a Central League matchup that could help shape the league race.
#10 (4A) Pottsgrove (6-0) @ Upper Perkiomen (5-1) 07:00 PM District-1
Coach Bill Hawthorne’s Pottsgrove Falcons put their unbeaten record on the line Friday night against Upper Perkiomen in a matchup between teams sitting 2-0 in the PAC Frontier Division. Pottsgrove rolled past Upper Merion, 42-6, last week and has won every game this season by at least two touchdowns, while Upper Perkiomen is coming off a 45-0 shutout of Pottstown. Friday’s winner will gain an important edge in the division race.
#3 (5A) Springfield-Delco (6-0) @ Ridley (6-0) 07:00 PM District-1
Coach Chris Britton’s Springfield-Delco Cougars visit Ridley for a showdown between unbeaten Central League teams. Springfield enters at 6-0 and No. 3 in PennLive’s Class 5A rankings, while Ridley improved to 6-0 with a 24-6 victory over Upper Darby last week. Friday’s matchup will be an important test for both teams as the league race takes shape.
#10 (6A) Pennridge (6-0) @ North Penn (4-2) 07:00 PM District-1
Pennridge travels to North Penn after defeating Pennsbury, 28-6, while the Knights are coming off a 28-0 shutout of Neshaminy. Trevor Picciotti is averaging 106.8 rushing yards per game and has scored six total touchdowns for the unbeaten Rams. North Penn defeated Pennridge, 21-14, in last year’s District-1 Class 6A championship, and the Rams will look to reverse that result Friday night.
#4 (6A) St. Joseph’s Prep (3-1) @ La Salle College (3-3) 12:00 PM Saturday District-12
Coach Tim Roken’s St. Joseph’s Prep Hawks visit La Salle College after defeating Cardinal O’Hara, 28-7, for their second consecutive victory. The Explorers have also won two straight, including a 28-10 victory over Salesianum and a 42-0 shutout of Father Judge last Saturday. La Salle defeated Prep, 24-14, in their most recent meeting last November, adding a rematch storyline to this Philadelphia Catholic League showdown.
#1 (4A) Shamokin (6-0) @ Williamsport (5-1) 07:00 PM District-4
Coach Marc Persing’s unbeaten Shamokin Indians travel to Williamsport after blanking Selinsgrove, 42-0, behind an offense that generated 337 rushing yards. Logan Steele leads the Indians’ posted season statistics with 650 rushing yards and 15 total touchdowns. Coach Kevin Brown’s Millionaires are coming off a 32-28 victory at Jersey Shore, producing 292 passing yards and 127 rushing yards. Williamsport now gets a home opportunity to challenge PennLive’s top-ranked Class 4A team.
North Hills (4-1) @ Armstrong (5-1) 07:00 PM District-7
Coach Eric Kasperowicz’s North Hills Indians look to rebound from a 24-17 loss to Norwin when they travel to Armstrong for a Northeast Conference matchup. The River Hawks have won five straight, including a 38-35 victory over Plum last week, and quarterback Jaydon Oliver enters with 1,161 passing yards and 696 rushing yards, according to the Post-Gazette’s Week 7 statistical leaders. Both teams are 1-0 in conference play, giving Friday’s result added importance in the league race.
Hempfield Area (3-3) @ Norwin (4-2) 07:00 PM District-7
Coach Nick Keefer’s Hempfield Spartans are coming off a 41-14 victory over Seneca Valley, while coach Mike Brown’s Norwin Knights defeated North Hills, 24-17. Hempfield quarterback Carden Lippmann has thrown for 1,317 yards and nine touchdowns and leads the team with 314 rushing yards and four scores. The rivals meet with Class 6A playoff positioning and potential home-field advantage at stake, with Norwin hosting at Penn-Trafford’s Warrior Stadium.
New Castle (4-2) @ #7 (4A) Montour (4-2) 07:00 PM District-7
New Castle travels to Montour after defeating Blackhawk, 50-34, while coach Lou Cerro’s Spartans are coming off a lopsided victory over Central Valley. Montour quarterback Brandon Bennett leads the team’s posted rushing statistics at 98.8 yards per game and has accounted for 11 total touchdowns. New Castle won both meetings last season, adding a rematch storyline to this Parkway Conference matchup between two 4-2 teams.
Austintown-Fitch (OH) (5-1) @ McDowell (5-1) 07:00 PM District-10
McDowell carries a five-game winning streak into its home matchup with Austintown-Fitch after defeating Cathedral Prep, 37-13. Chase Carrick rushed for 80 yards and two touchdowns, while Evan Kuhn threw for 220 yards and two scores in the Trojans’ rivalry victory. Coach T.J. Parker’s Falcons arrive following a 62-14 win over Massillon Perry, setting up an interstate matchup between two teams entering at 5-1.
Cathedral Prep (5-1) @ #9 (4A) General McLane (6-0) 07:00 PM District-10
Coach Mike Mischler’s Cathedral Prep Ramblers look to rebound from their first loss, a 37-13 setback against McDowell, when they visit unbeaten General McLane. Coach Marshall McCormick’s Lancers defeated Harbor Creek, 27-19, last week, producing 289 rushing yards and 87 passing yards. Charlie Bennett leads General McLane’s posted rushing statistics at 107.5 yards per game, giving the Lancers a productive ground attack heading into this Region-5 matchup.
Big School/Small School Crossover
#4 (3A) Scranton Prep (5-1) @ #4 (4A) North Pocono (6-0) 07:00 PM District-2
Coach Terry Gallagher’s Scranton Prep Cavaliers carry a five-game winning streak into North Pocono after shutting out Abington Heights, 35-0. North Pocono enters unbeaten at 6-0 after a 44-7 victory over Wilkes-Barre, setting up a showdown between two of District 2’s top teams. The Cavaliers and Trojans will meet in a Lackawanna Football Conference Division-I matchup between teams ranked No. 4 by PennLive in their respective classifications.
Honesdale (5-1) @ #10 (2A) Lakeland (6-0) 07:00 PM District-2
Lakeland returns home after defeating Riverside, 33-20, with Luke McFarland catching passes for 76 yards and three touchdowns in the victory. The unbeaten Chiefs face a Honesdale team coming off a 52-7 victory over Western Wayne, as Gabe Duda rushed for three touchdowns and Dontae Joseph added two rushing scores. Coach George Howanitz’s Hornets enter at 5-1 for a Division-II matchup against the 6-0 Chiefs.
#1 (3A) Northwestern Lehigh (6-0) @ Lehighton (5-1) 07:00 PM District-11
Coach Josh Snyder’s unbeaten Northwestern Lehigh Tigers travel to Lehighton after defeating Jim Thorpe, 49-14. Chase Sukanick rushed for 335 yards and five touchdowns in that victory, bringing his season totals to 901 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns. Lehighton is coming off a 42-9 win over Bangor and now gets a home opportunity to challenge PennLive’s top-ranked Class 3A team.
Small School Class 1A-3A
Bellwood-Antis (5-1) @ #2 (1A) Bishop Guilfoyle (5-1) 07:00 PM Saturday District-6
Coach Nick Lovrich’s Bellwood-Antis Blue Devils head to Mansion Park after shutting out Philipsburg-Osceola, 33-0, while generating 226 rushing yards. Bishop Guilfoyle is coming off a 44-14 victory over Tyrone, with quarterback Justin Wheeler rushing for 99 yards and three touchdowns while completing all nine passes for 127 yards and another score. Evan Schimminger added 239 total yards for the Marauders, setting up a Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference divisional matchup between two 5-1 teams.
Steel-High (4-1) @ Line Mountain (6-0) 07:00 PM
Coach Brandon Carson’s unbeaten Line Mountain Eagles host coach Andrew Erby’s Steel-High Steamrollers after defeating Susquenita, 54-8. Kaden Dunkelberger rushed for 73 yards and two touchdowns on seven carries and added a touchdown pass, while the Eagles’ defense recorded six sacks. Steel-High arrives following a 27-6 victory over Newport, setting up a Mid-Penn Capital Division showdown between teams entering at 3-0 in conference play.
Jeannette (5-1) @ Greensburg Central Catholic (5-1) 07:00 PM District-7
Jeannette takes a five-game winning streak into Greensburg Central Catholic with the program’s 800th victory and Eastern Conference positioning on the line. Jayce Powell has rushed for 294 yards and six touchdowns while adding 20 catches for 287 yards and three scores for the Jayhawks. Coach John Thompson’s Centurions have won four-straight, including a 49-21 victory over Leechburg, setting up a rivalry game between teams unbeaten in conference play.
Burgettstown (5-1) @ #3 (1A) Washington (5-1) 07:00 PM District-7
Burgettstown looks to bounce back from its first loss, a 55-12 setback against Fort Cherry, when it visits Washington for a Black Hills Conference matchup. The Little Prexies rolled past Bentworth, 49-3, behind quarterback Travon Moye’s 273 passing yards and Ameer Nelson’s four catches for 223 yards and two touchdowns. Jamarie Walker added 104 rushing yards and two scores as Washington improved to 2-0 in conference play, while Burgettstown enters at 2-1.
Neshannock (5-1) @ Beaver Falls (4-1) 07:00 PM District-7
Coach Michael Bongivengo’s Neshannock Lancers visit Beaver Falls with both teams unbeaten in Midwestern Athletic Conference play. Freshman quarterback Jared Corey threw for 255 yards and five touchdowns on just seven completions in Neshannock’s 52-6 victory over Freedom Area last week. Coach Jim Mooney’s Tigers defeated Mohawk, 30-20, setting up a meeting between Neshannock’s 3-0 conference record and Beaver Falls’ 2-0 mark.
Karns City (5-1) @ Ridgway-Johnsonburg (5-1) 07:00 PM District-9
Coach Joe Sherwin’s Karns City Gremlins look to rebound from their first loss, a 43-14 setback against Central Clarion. Owen Kaufman scored on a 53-yard run, while Bryce Galan added a 65-yard punt-return touchdown in the defeat. Coach Mark Heindl’s Ridgway-Johnsonburg Elkers have won three-straight, including a 41-0 shutout of Cameron County last week, setting up a meeting between two 5-1 teams at Ridgway.
#5 (1A) Wilmington (5-1) @ #8 (2A) Greenville (6-0) 07:00 PM District-10
Coach Brandon Phillian’s Wilmington Greyhounds visit unbeaten Greenville after shutting out Lakeview, 42-0, while the Trojans are coming off a 45-7 victory over Reynolds. Greenville has allowed just 20 points across its last five games, including three shutouts, setting up a demanding test for Wilmington’s offense. The Region-1 rivals also met in last season’s District-10 Class 1A championship, when Greenville edged Wilmington, 25-22.
#6 (2A) Farrell (4-1) @ Sharpsville (5-1) 07:00 PM District-10
Farrell returns to action at Sharpsville after having last week off. The Steelers’ most recent game was a 24-13 loss to Ursuline on September 24, when quarterback Aaron Pegues became the program’s all-time passing leader with 4,674 career yards and connected with Dorean Cain for a 54-yard touchdown. Coach Paul Piccirilli’s Sharpsville Blue Devils have won three-straight, including a 51-0 shutout of Mercer, bringing momentum into this Region-1 rivalry matchup.
#2 (3A) Notre Dame-Green Pond (6-0) @ #10 (3A) Palmerton (6-0) 07:00 PM District-11
Notre Dame-Green Pond visits Palmerton in a showdown between unbeaten teams ranked in PennLive’s Class 3A top 10. The Crusaders are coming off a 63-7 victory over Palisades, and quarterback Tommy Murphy has completed 82 of 111 passes for a 73.9% completion rate this season. Palmerton defeated Salisbury Township, 42-7, last week and will look to reverse a series trend that has seen Notre Dame win nine of the teams’ last 10 meetings, including shutouts in the last two.
