The 2025 Pennsylvania high school football postseason began this past weekend! Here is Mr. PA Football’s recap of the top games.
La Salle Defeats St. Joseph’s Prep 24-14 for the Title
The Explorers rolled past the Hawks to claim the PCL 6A championship on Saturday afternoon at Villanova Stadium. This game was a terrific match-up and possibly the biggest games across the Commonwealth this weekend.
La Salle rose to the occasion in a huge way on Saturday. St. Joseph’s Prep ended the Explorers season last year, but this year La Salle got the revenge in the rematch.
La Salle senior quarterback Gavin Sidwar, a Missouri commit, threw for a pair of touchdown passes and scampered for another rushing touchdown. The Explorers never trailed in a convincing 24-14 win over the Hawks.
The win advances the (9-1) Explorers to the PIAA District-12 Class 6A title game in two weeks while the defeat ended the season for the (5-5) Hawks. La Salle has won three of the last four meetings against the Hawks including a 31-20 win on October 4th.
The Explorers scored on their first possession when Sidwar found magnificent sophomore Explorer WR Owen Johnson for an 18-yard touchdown midway through the first quarter.
St. Joseph’s Prep would tie things up near the end of the first quarter before Sidwar and Johnson hooked up for a second time right before the half and gave La Salle a 14-7 lead at intermission.
The Hawks, cut their deficit to 17-14 late in the third quarter when 5-star sophomore WR Jett Harrison caught a 20-yard touchdown pass from junior quarterback Charlie Foulke.
Then, La Salle answered with a 10-play, 80-yard drive that culminated with Sidwar’s touchdown run of seven yards which resulted in the final score of 24-14.
Standouts of the Game
La Salle College HS:
- Senior QB Gavin Sidwar, 23 of 31 for 251 yards and two touchdowns, one rushing touchdown
- Senior WR/CB Joey O’Brien
- Sophomore WR Owen Johnson, 10 catches for 101 and two touchdowns
St. Joseph’s Prep:
- Junior QB Charlie Foulke IV
- Sophomore WR Jett Harrison
Next Week: La Salle College HS (idle) and St. Joseph’s Prep (season complete)
Quick Hitters Rundown
Big School Games:
#10 Pennridge nips Plymouth Whitemarsh 22-21
The Rams win the playoff game in dramatic fashion by scoring a two-point conversion to rally back from a two-touchdown deficit. The Rams magical season continues, Pennridge and Head Coach Kyle Beller host Downingtown East on Friday night.
Oil City edges #10 General McLane 16-14
The Oilers defense forces four turnovers to win the District-10 title over General McLane. Oil City and Head Coach Dan York receive a bye this week and will face the Punxsutawney-Clearfield winner next week.
Bethlehem Liberty beats Bethlehem Freedom 26-14
The Hurricanes and Head Coach Shawn Daignault defeat the Patriots for a second straight week. Bethlehem Liberty travels to undefeated Easton Area this week and believe they can upset the powerful Rovers. Easton Area won the first game by 23-20 margin.
Thomas Jefferson rolls past Mars Area 31-14
Thomas Jefferson and legendary Head Coach Bill Cherpak ride standout junior RB/LB Tyler Eber to victory on Friday night. The Jaguars have an enormous home rematch against McKeesport this Friday night.
Owen J. Roberts scores a 10-7 upset against Downingtown West
The Wildcats defense comes up with a big late stop to secure a huge upset win over District-1 No. 3 seed Downingtown West. Owen J. Roberts junior RB Mekhi Graham, a Postseason Round 1 Player of the Week nominee, leads the Wildcats to the giant victory. Owen J. Roberts travels to Neshaminy this Friday night.
Neshaminy Defeats Central Bucks West 28-21
Neshaminy prevails for a second time this year against Central Bucks West on the road. The Skins face off against Owen J. Roberts at home this week.
Small School Games:
Fort LeBoeuf cruises past Corry Area 29-12
The Bison’s second victory against the Beavers this season came a little easier than the first one. Fort LeBoeuf Head Coach Justin Blose and his Bison travel to play at an excellent Hickory squad this week.
Minersville Area outlasts Pen Argyl 35-27
The Battlin’ Miners hold on to beat the Green Knights and ride senior QB Dante Carr’s huge performance to victory. Carr, a Postseason Round 1 Player of the Week nominee, and his Battlin’ Miners travel to square off against Williams Valley this Saturday night.
Chartiers-Houston tops South Side 26-21
Chartiers-Houston upsets South Side and earns their first playoff win in twenty-five years. The Buccaneers and Head Coach Daniel Lis travel on the road to face off against Laurel this Friday night.
Montoursville escapes Mount Carmel 43-42 in OT
Montoursville survives a wild three-overtime game to defeat the Red Tornadoes. The Warriors blocked an extra point in the third overtime to keep its season alive with a thrilling 43-42 victory. Montoursville hopes to keep the momentum going this week at Mifflinburg on Friday night.
