Week 9 is here, and with the regular season winding down, teams across Pennsylvania are battling for conference titles, playoff positioning and momentum heading into the postseason. Mr. PA Football is bringing you three marquee matchups, including a WPIAL showdown between Thomas Jefferson and undefeated Upper St. Clair, a battle of unbeaten powers in the Lehigh Valley as Northwestern Lehigh visits Southern Lehigh, and the latest chapter in the rivalry between Harrisburg and Bishop McDevitt.
Here’s our look at the biggest games across Pennsylvania.
Thomas Jefferson (6-1) @ #7 (5A) Upper St. Clair (8-0)
Friday 7:00 PM District-7
Two of the WPIAL’s top Class 5A programs meet Friday, October 23, when Thomas Jefferson travels to Upper St. Clair for an important Allegheny Six Conference matchup. The Jaguars enter at 6-1 after bouncing back with a convincing victory over Bethel Park, while the Panthers are 8-0 and ranked No. 7 in PennLive’s latest Class 5A state rankings. Upper St. Clair is looking to protect its unbeaten record, while Thomas Jefferson is trying to tighten the conference race. Friday’s matchup carries significance beyond the state rankings.
Thomas Jefferson has handled its move to Class 5A with a productive offense and several hard-fought victories. The Jaguars opened with wins over Belle Vernon, McKeesport, Moon, Montour and Trinity before suffering their only loss, 24-17, at West Allegheny on October 9. They responded last Friday with a 37-7 victory over Bethel Park, improving to 6-1 overall and 2-1 in conference play. Their earlier results include a 34-29 win over Montour and a 19-14 victory over Trinity, giving the Jaguars experience finishing competitive games.
Senior running back Tyler Eber and junior quarterback Harrison Kolling led Thomas Jefferson’s offense in its 37-7 victory over Bethel Park last Friday. Eber rushed for two touchdowns, while Kolling threw two touchdown passes. Junior wide receiver/defensive back Lee Jones caught a touchdown pass and returned an interception 47 yards for another score.
Head coach Bill Cherpak has the Jaguars competing in their first season in Class 5A after a highly successful run in Class 4A. Thomas Jefferson’s offensive front includes senior lineman Beckett Everly and junior lineman Dylan Beasock, while Jones has stepped into a larger receiving role. Jones caught six passes for 63 yards against West Allegheny when senior receivers Elijah Fant and Kane Eggerton were sidelined by injuries.
Upper St. Clair continued its undefeated season last Friday with a 35-14 victory at Trinity, improving to 8-0 overall and 3-0 in the Allegheny Six. The Panthers have been particularly impressive against recent conference opponents, defeating Peters Township, 44-0, and Bethel Park, 44-7, before handling the Hillers. Under head coach Mike Junko, Upper St. Clair has combined a physical running game with a defense capable of producing critical stops and takeaways.
Junior quarterback Josh Snyder leads Upper St. Clair’s rushing attack alongside senior running back/linebacker John Banbury and junior running back Luca Coury. In last Friday’s 35-14 victory over Trinity, Banbury scored two rushing touchdowns, while Coury and Snyder each added a rushing score. Snyder also threw a touchdown pass to Sam Bunn, helping the Panthers maintain a balanced offensive attack.
Upper St. Clair’s defense delivered several of the game’s biggest plays. The Panthers stopped Trinity after the Hillers earned a first down at the 1-yard line, forced three fumbles and received an interception from Reece Davis. That ability to finish defensive possessions will be important against an Eber-led Thomas Jefferson offense built to sustain drives and wear down opponents.
- Upper St. Clair will host Friday’s Allegheny Six Conference matchup, entering at 8-0 overall and 3-0 in conference play; Thomas Jefferson is 6-1 and 2-1.
- Thomas Jefferson head coach Bill Cherpak and Upper St. Clair head coach Mike Junko lead two programs competing in the same conference following the Jaguars’ move to Class 5A.
- Both teams won convincingly last Friday, with Thomas Jefferson defeating Bethel Park, 37-7, and Upper St. Clair beating Trinity, 35-14.
Key Players to Watch:
Thomas Jefferson
- Senior RB/LB Tyler Eber, a Bucknell commit
- Junior QB/DB Harrison Kolling
- Junior WR/DB Lee Jones
- Senior TE/DE Lucas Patterson
- Senior OL/DL Beckett Everly
- Junior OL/DL Dylan Beasock
Upper St. Clair
- Junior QB/ATH Josh Snyder
- Senior RB/LB John Banbury, a Richmond recruit
- Junior RB/SS Luca Coury
- Senior OT/DT Ryan Robbins, a Penn State commit
- Junior OG/NG Will Stohl
Keys to the game: Thomas Jefferson will look to establish Eber early, create manageable passing situations for Kolling and keep Upper St. Clair’s offense on the sideline. The Jaguars need to finish drives and avoid turnovers while using their running game to control the tempo. Upper St. Clair will counter with its three-pronged rushing attack, forcing Thomas Jefferson to account for Snyder’s mobility without opening running lanes for Banbury and Coury. The battle at the line of scrimmage and each defense’s ability to prevent long scoring drives should shape the outcome. Thomas Jefferson has the running game to make this competitive, but Upper St. Clair’s recent conference performances and home-field advantage give the Panthers the edge. We have Upper St. Clair over Thomas Jefferson, 28-21.
#1 (3A) Northwestern Lehigh (8-0) @ #4 (5A) Southern Lehigh (8-0)
7:00 PM District-11
Two undefeated District-11 powers meet Friday, October 23, when Northwestern Lehigh travels to Southern Lehigh for one of Pennsylvania’s biggest matchups of the week. The Tigers enter ranked No. 1 in PennLive’s Class 3A state rankings, while the Spartans hold the No. 4 spot in Class 5A. Both teams are 8-0, setting up a showdown between programs with championship experience and expectations of another deep postseason run.
Southern Lehigh will host Friday’s showdown as the Spartans look to reverse recent results against Northwestern Lehigh. The Tigers won last season’s meeting, 36-28, and earned a 23-17 victory in 2024.
Northwestern Lehigh continued its unbeaten start last Friday with a 56-0 victory over Wilson Area. The Tigers scored three defensive touchdowns and added another on special teams, demonstrating their ability to change a game without relying entirely on the offense. Through eight games, Northwestern Lehigh has outscored its opponents, 382-61, while maintaining its position atop PennLive’s Class 3A rankings and the District-11 Class 3A power ratings.
Junior running back Chase Sukanick has provided consistent production on the ground. Sukanick has rushed for 1,113 yards and 16 touchdowns on 133 carries, averaging 8.4 yards per attempt. He has also caught 17 passes for 149 yards and two touchdowns, giving the Tigers a versatile option who can contribute beyond the running game. Sophomore quarterback Trey Snyder has completed 84 of 127 passes for 1,234 yards and 14 touchdowns with five interceptions.
Senior wide receiver/linebacker Brady Zimmerman has been Snyder’s leading receiving target, catching 28 passes for 483 yards and five touchdowns. Northwestern Lehigh also has experienced players along the offensive line, including junior center Nolan Koehler and junior offensive lineman/defensive lineman Maddox Hurdle. Defensively, junior defensive end Fritz Scheirer has recorded 54 tackles, nine tackles for loss and six sacks. Koehler contributed six tackles, a sack and an interception return for a touchdown against Wilson Area.
Head coach Josh Snyder has kept Northwestern Lehigh playing at a high level despite replacing several important contributors from last season. The Tigers have paired Sukanick’s running with an efficient young quarterback and a defense capable of creating short fields and scoring opportunities. Friday’s matchup presents a different challenge against a Southern Lehigh offense that can win through the air or lean on its experienced offensive line.
Southern Lehigh improved to 8-0 with a 48-27 victory at Notre Dame-Green Pond last Friday. The Spartans scored the game’s final 22 points after falling behind, 27-26, showing the composure that helped carry them to last season’s PIAA Class 4A championship. Junior running back Adam Fritts delivered a breakout performance with six rushing touchdowns, helping Southern Lehigh extend its winning streak to 14 games dating back to last season.
Senior quarterback Colton Sams directs the Spartans’ offense and has completed 132 of 173 passes for 1,832 yards without an interception. Senior wide receiver Otto Young has 52 catches for 609 yards and eight touchdowns. Junior wide receiver/free safety Jack Pavis has added 21 receptions for 367 yards and seven touchdowns, while senior wide receiver/free safety Jack Fistner has 20 catches for 247 yards and four scores.
Head coach Phil Sams has Southern Lehigh competing successfully following its move to Class 5A. Senior two-way linemen Lucas Sutyak and Dylan Gretz help anchor an experienced front, while Pavis has three interceptions in the secondary. The Spartans have also protected the football exceptionally well, recording 16 takeaways while committing no turnovers through eight games. That ball security could be especially important against a Northwestern Lehigh team coming off a game with three defensive touchdowns.
- Northwestern Lehigh has won the last two meetings, but Southern Lehigh will have home-field advantage as the Spartans look to reverse those results.
- Northwestern Lehigh’s Josh Snyder faces Southern Lehigh’s Phil Sams in a battle between two undefeated teams looking to strengthen their position heading into the postseason.
- Southern Lehigh’s balanced offense features quarterback Colton Sams and running back Adam Fritts, whose six rushing touchdowns helped the Spartans rally past Notre Dame-Green Pond.
Key Players to Watch:
Northwestern Lehigh
- Junior RB Chase Sukanick
- Sophomore QB Trey Snyder
- Senior WR/LB Brady Zimmerman
- Senior WR/FS Michael Lagowy
- Junior OC/LB Nolan Koehler
- Junior OT/NG Maddox Hurdle
- Junior OT/DE Fritz Scheirer
Southern Lehigh
- Senior QB/FS Colton Sams
- Junior RB/WR/FS Adam Fritts
- Senior WR/CB Otto Young
- Senior WR/FS Jack Fistner
- Junior SS/WR Jack Pavis
- Senior OC/DE Lucas Sutyak
- Senior DT/OT Dylan Gretz
Keys to the game: Northwestern Lehigh will look to establish Chase Sukanick early, keep Trey Snyder in manageable passing situations and prevent Southern Lehigh from controlling possession. The Tigers’ defensive front must pressure Colton Sams without allowing Adam Fritts to find the running lanes that helped decide last week’s game. Southern Lehigh will counter with its experienced offensive line and a passing attack featuring Otto Young, Jack Pavis and Jack Fistner. Protecting the football and avoiding breakdowns on special teams will be essential against a Northwestern Lehigh team that has demonstrated its ability to score in all three phases. Northwestern Lehigh has won the last two meetings, but Southern Lehigh’s balance, ball security and home-field advantage give the Spartans the edge. We have Southern Lehigh over Northwestern Lehigh, 31-28.
#2 (6A) Harrisburg (8-0) @ #6 (6A) Bishop McDevitt (7-1)
Saturday 12:00 PM District-3
The Battle of the Burg takes center stage Saturday, October 24, when Harrisburg travels to Bishop McDevitt for a pivotal Mid-Penn Commonwealth Division showdown. The unbeaten Cougars enter ranked No. 2 in PennLive’s Class 6A state rankings, while the Crusaders sit at No. 6. Harrisburg is 8-0 overall and 7-0 in division play, while Bishop McDevitt is 7-1 overall and 6-1 in the division. With Harrisburg scheduled to visit unbeaten State College next week, Saturday’s rivalry game could have a major impact on the Commonwealth race heading into the regular-season finale.
Harrisburg remained unbeaten last Saturday with a 28-12 victory over Chambersburg. The Cougars had overwhelmed their previous two opponents, defeating Carlisle, 70-0, and Central Dauphin East, 61-0, before facing a more competitive challenge from the Trojans. Harrisburg enters this week atop the District-3 Class 6A power ratings, making Saturday another important opportunity to strengthen its postseason position.
Senior quarterback Kayden Stephens has thrown for 1,450 yards, according to MaxPreps, while senior running back Princeton Dent leads the Cougars’ ground game at 116.1 rushing yards per game. Dent has accounted for 19 total touchdowns, providing Harrisburg with a productive option to finish drives. Senior athlete Jaiyon Lewis adds another dimension, averaging 90.6 receiving yards per game while also contributing three interceptions defensively.
Head coach Calvin Everett also has playmakers capable of disrupting opposing offenses. Junior defensive end Tu’ron Dennis has recorded 7.5 sacks, while senior linebacker Kayson Judge averages 7.6 tackles per game. Their ability to generate pressure and limit yards after contact will be important against a Bishop McDevitt offense with several dangerous receiving options.
Bishop McDevitt enters on a five-game winning streak after shutting out Carlisle, 42-0, last Friday. The Crusaders have scored 312 points while allowing 62 through eight games. Their recent performances include a 54-0 victory over Central Dauphin and a 47-14 win over Altoona, giving them momentum heading into Saturday’s showdown.
Senior quarterback Sebastian Williams directs the Crusaders’ passing attack and has thrown for 2,021 yards, according to MaxPreps. Williams delivered one of his biggest performances against Altoona, completing 13 of 17 passes for 339 yards and six touchdowns. He connected twice each with senior receivers Jontai Quick and Zayden Smith and junior receiver Howard Holton Jr. for scores in that victory.
Smith, a Texas Tech recruit, has become an increasingly important part of the offense. He caught four touchdown passes against Carlisle and has totaled 12 receptions for 325 yards and six touchdowns over the Crusaders’ last two games. Quick, a Kent State recruit, averages 80.9 receiving yards per game, while freshman running back Kaedyn Walker leads Bishop McDevitt’s rushing attack at 64.4 yards per game.
Head coach Jeff Weachter has Bishop McDevitt producing on both sides of the football. Senior linebacker Ethan Miller averages 7.9 tackles per game, and junior outside linebacker/defensive end Creighton Miltsch has 5.5 sacks. The Crusaders will need that defensive front to limit Dent’s production and prevent Harrisburg from controlling possession, while their secondary faces the challenge of containing Lewis and the Cougars’ passing game.
- Harrisburg will look to establish Princeton Dent and sustain drives, keeping Bishop McDevitt’s explosive passing attack on the sideline.
- Bishop McDevitt quarterback Sebastian Williams has multiple receiving options in Jontai Quick, Zayden Smith and Howard Holton Jr., testing Harrisburg’s coverage and its ability to generate pressure with Tu’ron Dennis.
- Harrisburg head coach Calvin Everett and Bishop McDevitt head coach Jeff Weachter face a key tactical battle as they look to control the tempo and adjust to the opposing team’s playmakers. Harrisburg has won the last two meetings, 35-33 in 2024 and 29-21 in 2025.
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
Bishop McDevitt
- Senior QB Sebastian Williams
- Senior WR/CB Jontai Quick, a Kent State recruit
- Senior WR/LB Zayden Smith, a Texas Tech commit
- Junior WR/DB Howard Holton Jr.
- Freshman RB/LB Kaedyn Walker
- Senior LB/FB Ethan Miller
- Junior LB/DE Creighton Miltsch
Keys to the game: Harrisburg will look to establish Princeton Dent, give Kayden Stephens manageable passing situations and prevent Bishop McDevitt from turning the game into a series of quick scoring possessions. The Cougars need pressure from Tu’ron Dennis without leaving their secondary exposed against the Crusaders’ receiving depth. Bishop McDevitt will counter with Sebastian Williams and a passing attack featuring Jontai Quick, Zayden Smith and Howard Holton Jr., while looking for Kaedyn Walker to provide balance on the ground. Finishing drives, avoiding turnovers and limiting explosive plays should determine a matchup between two state-ranked Class 6A contenders. Bishop McDevitt has home-field advantage and the receivers to challenge Harrisburg, but the Cougars’ productive running game, defensive playmakers and recent success in the rivalry give them a narrow edge. We have Harrisburg over Bishop McDevitt in a one-point thriller, 28-27.
Quick Hitters Preview
Big School Class 4A-6A
Ridley (7-1) @ #9 (5A) Strath Haven (7-1) 7:00 PM District-1
Ridley travels to Strath Haven for an important Central League matchup between two 7-1 teams. The Raiders rebounded from a 20-0 loss to unbeaten Springfield with a 30-7 victory over Haverford last Friday, while the Panthers enter with seven consecutive victories, including last week’s forfeit win over Harriton, and a No. 9 ranking in PennLive’s Class 5A state poll. Strath Haven is 7-0 in league play, with Ridley at 6-1, giving Friday’s meeting significant implications near the top of the Central League standings. Coach Kevin Clancy’s Panthers feature an experienced backfield that includes seniors Landon Barlow, Yousif Ali and Kasey Hudson, along with senior quarterback Jake Plunkett. Ridley will look to disrupt that ground game and avoid allowing Strath Haven to control possession. With Springfield-Delco still unbeaten, the Raiders need a road victory to keep pressure on the league leaders, while the Panthers look to preserve their perfect conference record.
Big Spring (8-0) @ Hanover (8-0) 7:00 PM District-3
Two unbeaten teams meet at Hanover with the South Central Athletic Conference Division-III race taking center stage. Big Spring enters after defeating York Catholic, 42-14, while Hanover earned a 27-0 shutout of Biglerville. Bulldogs quarterback Nathan Baranoski has thrown for 1,185 yards and 16 touchdowns while adding 535 rushing yards and six scores, according to PennLive’s Week 8 statistical leaders. Running back Jordan Myers has contributed 615 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns, giving Big Spring multiple ways to move the football. Hanover counters with quarterback Boden Strausbaugh, who has completed 62 of 93 passes for 877 yards and three touchdowns without an interception, and running back Jesus Chavez, who has 633 rushing yards and 12 scores. Colton Cue adds versatility with 524 rushing yards and 373 receiving yards. Hanover’s ball security and Big Spring’s offensive balance make finishing drives and avoiding costly mistakes especially important in this matchup between division contenders
#5 (5A) Twin Valley (8-0) @ #10 (5A) Exeter Township (7-1) 7:00 PM District-3
Two PennLive-ranked Class 5A teams meet when Twin Valley visits Exeter Township for a non-league matchup with District-3 postseason positioning at stake. Coach Brett Myers’ Raiders enter after a 55-7 victory over Warwick, while coach Matt Bauer’s Eagles defeated Muhlenberg, 30-6. Twin Valley leads Lancaster-Lebanon League Section-3 at 5-0, and Exeter sits atop Section-2 with the same league record, so Friday’s result will not directly affect either section race. The Raiders’ ground game features Lucas Myers, a Villanova recruit, and Maverik Foster, who has been another productive runner. Quarterback Gavan Foster has completed 54 of 83 passes for 979 yards and 11 touchdowns. Exeter counters with running back Joshua Johnson, who has 664 rushing yards and five scores, and quarterback Aidan Gerhart, who has thrown for 824 yards. The Eagles will need to limit Twin Valley’s explosive runs and sustain their own possessions against an unbeaten opponent.
Central York (6-2) @ #9 (6A) Wilson (7-1) 7:00 PM District-3
Central York travels to Wilson for a non-league matchup between District-3 Class 6A playoff contenders. The Panthers enter after a 53-0 victory over Red Lion, while the Bulldogs defeated Penn Manor, 41-16, to improve to 7-1. Wilson holds the No. 9 position in PennLive’s Class 6A rankings. Damien Greer provided an immediate spark for Wilson last week, returning the opening kickoff 95 yards for a touchdown as the Bulldogs continued their success against Penn Manor. Central York brings momentum from its shutout victory but faces a different challenge on the road against a state-ranked opponent. Because the teams compete in different leagues, Friday’s stakes center on postseason positioning rather than a shared division title. Avoiding special-teams breakdowns and finishing scoring opportunities will be important in a matchup that gives both programs a chance to strengthen their playoff résumés.
#1 (5A) Pine-Richland (7-1) @ North Hills (6-1) 7:00 PM District-7
Pine-Richland visits North Hills at Martorelli Stadium for a WPIAL Class 5A Northeast Conference showdown between teams tied atop the conference at 3-0. Coach Jon LeDonne’s Rams enter after defeating Armstrong, 57-12, while coach Eric Kasperowicz’s Indians delivered a 42-7 victory over Plum. Senior quarterback Aaron Strader threw for 209 yards and three touchdowns and added two rushing scores in Pine-Richland’s latest win. North Hills counters with a defense that has allowed 49 points during its 6-1 start and just limited one of the WPIAL’s most productive passing attacks. The coaching matchup adds another storyline: Kasperowicz won four WPIAL championships and two PIAA titles during his tenure at Pine-Richland before eventually returning to his alma mater. The Indians will need another disciplined defensive performance against the state’s No. 1 Class 5A team, while the Rams look to use Strader’s versatility to take control of the conference race.
Woodland Hills (5-3) @ #6 (5A) Penn-Trafford (8-0) 7:30 PM District-7
Woodland Hills travels to Penn-Trafford for a WPIAL Class 5A Big East Conference showdown between teams listed at 4-0 in conference play. The Warriors remained unbeaten with a 52-20 victory over Gateway, while the Wolverines defeated Franklin Regional, 49-7. Penn-Trafford’s rushing attack was outstanding against the Gators, with Ben Grabowski running for 193 yards and three touchdowns while also throwing a touchdown pass. Cody Yacamelli added 158 rushing yards and two scores, giving the Warriors two productive options in the backfield. Woodland Hills enters after consecutive victories over Canon-McMillan and Franklin Regional and will need to slow that ground game without surrendering opportunities through the air. Penn-Trafford’s No. 6 PennLive ranking and unbeaten record make the Warriors a significant test, but the Wolverines’ recent results and perfect conference mark give this matchup direct importance in the Big East title race.
#1 (4A) Shamokin (8-0) @ #9 (4A) Blue Mountain (7-1) 7:05 PM District-4/11
Two state-ranked Class 4A teams meet when unbeaten Shamokin visits Blue Mountain for a non-conference matchup. The Indians maintained their perfect record with a 65-14 victory over Hanover Area, scoring touchdowns on offense, defense and special teams. Blue Mountain enters after defeating North Schuylkill, 49-10, and moving into PennLive’s Class 4A rankings at No. 9. Eagles quarterback Cohen Kirby completed 15 of 22 passes for 234 yards and three touchdowns against North Schuylkill while adding a rushing score. Chase Guers caught five passes for 100 yards and two touchdowns, Kole Luckenbill added four catches for 78 yards, and Brody Foose led the ground game with 91 yards. Coach Marc Persing’s Shamokin team will test that balanced offense, while coach Chuck Kutz’s Eagles have a chance to make a statement against PennLive’s top-ranked Class 4A program. With the teams competing in different districts, the stakes are momentum and postseason positioning rather than a shared conference championship.
Whitehall (7-1) @ #5 (6A) Parkland (7-1) 7:00 PM District-11
Whitehall visits Parkland for an Eastern Pennsylvania Conference showdown between two 7-1 teams. The Zephyrs defeated William Allen, 42-20, while Parkland beat Allentown Central Catholic, 38-7. Sophomore running back Tycen Norman scored four touchdowns for the Trojans, while senior quarterback Finn Coen threw for 142 yards and a touchdown. Head coach Tim Moncman will look to guide Parkland to an eighth consecutive victory.
Big School/Small School Crossover
Simon Gratz (6-2) @ John Bartram (6-1) 1:00 PM Saturday District-12
Simon Gratz visits John Bartram for a matchup between Philadelphia Public League programs. The Bulldogs shut out Central, while the Braves defeated Frankford, 35-0, for their latest shutout. Quarterback Shane “King” Salley leads the Gratz offense into a road test against a Bartram defense looking to continue its recent success. Both teams enter with winning records and will look to build momentum heading into the postseason.
Small School Class 1A-3A
North Star (7-1) @ Berlin Brothersvalley (7-1) 7:00 PM District-5
Two 7-1 teams meet at Berlin Brothersvalley in a District-5 matchup. North Star defeated Northern Bedford, 33-14, behind Will Eshleman, who rushed for 196 yards and four touchdowns and returned an interception for another score. Berlin Brothersvalley comes off a 27-20 victory over Windber. Head coach Dante Paul and the Mountaineers will look to protect home field against a North Star team led by head coach Shane Smith.
Belle Vernon (7-1) @ Waynesburg Central (7-1) 7:00 PM District-7
Belle Vernon visits Waynesburg Central for a WPIAL Class 3A Interstate Conference showdown. The Leopards defeated Southmoreland, 47-20, as Chace Petrosky scored five touchdowns, including an 84-yard punt return. Waynesburg beat Derry, 44-15, behind quarterback Teagan Crouse and running back Ky’mani Sumpter. Both teams enter at 7-1, setting up an important conference test.
#2 (1A) Clairton (6-2) @ Greensburg Central Catholic (6-2) 7:00 PM District-7
Clairton visits Greensburg Central Catholic in a WPIAL Class A matchup. GCC defeated Riverview, 28-8, while Clairton’s games against Springdale and Leechburg were postponed. Freshman quarterback Keith Craven III and senior running back Jaece Booker lead the Bears’ offense. Clairton will look to regain its rhythm after the schedule interruptions against a Centurions team coming off a win.
Freeport (7-1) @ #9 (3A) Highlands (7-1) 7:00 PM District-7
Freeport travels to Highlands for an Allegheny Seven Conference showdown between two 7-1 teams. Highlands defeated Burrell, 34-6, while Freeport beat Deer Lakes, 38-7. Freeport quarterback Danny King threw two touchdown passes and ran for two more scores in the victory. Highlands will look to protect home field and continue its strong conference season.
Grove City (7-1) @ Sharon (6-2) 7:00 PM District-10
Grove City visits Sharon after a dominant 41-0 shutout of Slippery Rock. Eagles quarterback Heath Hohman threw two touchdown passes, while Levi Toth caught four passes for 67 yards. Sharon enters after a 48-14 victory over Fort LeBoeuf, with Marius Best rushing for 245 yards and four touchdowns. The Tigers will look to use home field to challenge Grove City.
Sharpsville (6-2) @ #5 (1A) Wilmington (7-1) 7:00 PM District-10
Sharpsville visits Wilmington in a District-10 Region-1 matchup. The Blue Devils defeated Lakeview, 34-8, while Wilmington beat Meyersdale, 35-21, for its fourth consecutive victory. Wilmington’s rushing attack features Chase Mitcheltree, and the Greyhounds will look to continue their offensive momentum against a Sharpsville team seeking an important road win.
Mercyhurst Prep (6-2) @ Cambridge Springs (8-0) 7:00 PM Saturday District-10
Unbeaten Cambridge Springs hosts Mercyhurst Prep in a District-10 matchup. The Blue Devils defeated Cochranton, 44-14, while the Lakers rolled past Iroquois, 61-6. Mercyhurst Prep running back Vinnie Feliciano and Cambridge Springs running back Wyatt Keem will be key players to watch as the Lakers face the challenge of handing the Blue Devils their first loss.
#6 (1A) Williams Valley (7-1) @ Shenandoah Valley (6-2) 1:00 PM Saturday District-11
Williams Valley visits Shenandoah Valley for a Schuylkill League Division-II matchup. The Vikings defeated Marian Catholic, 42-20, while Shenandoah Valley beat Nativity BVM, 28-12. Williams Valley running back Fletcher Thompson has been a major offensive contributor, while Shenandoah Valley quarterback Ethan Bench leads the Blue Devils’ offense. Williams Valley will look to continue its unbeaten division run against a Shenandoah Valley team looking for a home victory.
