The 2025 high school football action continued this past weekend with some great games across Pennsylvania! Here is Mr. PA Football’s recap of some of the top games.
Peters Township Stays Unbeaten and Holds On for a 24-20 Victory Over Upper St. Clair
One of the most anticipated Pennsylvania high school football games of the weekend lived up to the top billing. The Game of the Week in the WPIAL was thrilling and was decided in the final seconds.
Peters Township (6-0, 1-0) and Upper St. Clair (5-1, 0-1) entered Friday’s conference opener with two of the highest-scoring offenses in WPIAL Class 5A and their defenses also ranked first and second in fewest points allowed.
Finally, a last-minute stand deep in their own territory allowed Peters Township escape with a 24-20 victory Friday night in an Allegheny Six clash.
A year ago, the teams combined for 10 points in their regular-season matchup. On Friday night, Peters Township’s senior quarterback Nolan DiLucia threw for 277 yards and two touchdowns and senior running back Cole Neupaver added 123 yards rushing and a score. His 8-yard touchdown scamper with 9:40 remaining gave the Indians a 24-20 lead.
Peters Township outgained Upper St. Clair by roughly 50 yards because of three 80-yard touchdown drives. DiLucia completed 15 of 22 passes including a 7-yard touchdown toss to senior Lucas Shanafelt and a 45-yarder to senior P.J. Luke.
Upper St. Clair senior quarterback Ethan Hellmann completed 24 of 37 passes for 308 passing yards and two touchdowns. Panthers senior wide receiver Nico D’Orazio made a spectacular grab on a 40-yard touchdown late in the third quarter that gave Upper St. Clair a 20-17 lead.
Hellmann led the Panther offense 70 yards in the final 3 minutes to the Indians 12-yard line. The drive stalled there unfortunately for the Panthers. A fourth-down throw fell incomplete between two receivers and the Indians held on for the gigantic victory on Friday night.
Standouts of the Game
Peters Township:
- Senior QB Nolan DiLucia
- Senior LB/TE Lucas Shanafelt
- Senior RB/S Cole Neupaver
- Senior CB/WR P.J. Luke
- Senior DE Domenic Martrich
Upper St. Clair
- Senior QB Ethan Hellman
- Senior WR/S Nico D’Orazio
Next Week: Peters Township vs. Moon Area and Upper St. Clair vs. South Fayette
Quick Hitters Rundown
Big School Games:
#4 Pittsburgh Central Catholic defeats #5 North Allegheny 21-6
The Vikings defense puts the clamps on North Allegheny in a battle of top-ranked teams. Pittsburgh Central Catholic pushed their record up to 5-1 on the season and will prepare for their game against Shaler Area.
New Castle upsets Aliquippa 18-12
A late touchdown lifts New Castle to a huge victory over Aliquippa on Friday night. Freshman QB Marino Graham was the top performer for the Hurricanes who have won four straight games and move to 5-1 this season.
Neshaminy beats Central Bucks West 28-18
Central Bucks West winning streak is snapped at four games. Neshaminy senior QB Michael Eckart accounts for four touchdowns in the huge victory on Friday night.
Mechanicsburg outlasts Red Land 14-7
The Wildcats hand the Patriot their first loss of the season behind a strong defensive performance. Mechanicsburg senior RB Rece Miller leads the Wildcats and rushed for 147 yards in the win on Friday night.
West Perry tops East Pennsboro 28-27
West Perry comes from behind and scores 21 points in the fourth quarter to secure the victory over the Panthers. The Mustangs bump their season record up to 5-1.
Punxsutawney edges DuBois Area 17-14
The Chucks pull out a humongous home victory on Friday night over the Beavers to remain unbeaten. Punxsutawney moves to 6-0 on the season and will travel to play Redbank Valley this week.
#3 Bonner-Prendie defeats Cardinal O’Hara 22-10
The Friars earn a hard-fought victory over the Lions on Friday night. Bonner-Prendie picks up the win in the Catholic League Red Division opener and bumps their record to 4-1 on the season.
#3 Roman Catholic upsets #1 La Salle College HS 39-36
Roman Catholic and Head Coach Ricky Prete shocked the undefeated and #1 ranked Explorers on Friday night. The Cahillites scored the enormous victory and moved to 3-2 this season. Roman Catholic faces off against Cardinal O’Hara this week and La Salle College HS has to rebound against rival St. Joseph’s Prep.
Small School Games:
#5 Imani Christian Academy cruises by #6 North Catholic 36-16
The Saints overcome early mistakes and storm back to secure a huge victory over North Catholic. Imani Christian remains undefeated and will square off against East Allegheny this week.
#3 Line Mountain nips #8 Steelton-Highspire 36-34
Line Mountain and Head Coach Brandon Carson score an impressive victory over the Steamrollers last week. The Eagles move to 6-0 on the season and travel to Middletown this week.
#1 Schuylkill Haven defeats #3 Williams Valley 43-29
The Hurricanes control the game and stroll by the Vikings to remain unblemished on the season. Schuylkill Haven rides a strong second half to earn the victory. The Hurricanes host Marian Catholic this week and Williams Valley is at home against Panther Valley.
#4 Farrell crushes #5 Wilmington Area 44-7
The Steelers blew past the Greyhounds last Friday night and rolled to another outstanding win. Farrell will have a much tougher time piling up the points this week as the Steelers travel to play against Steubenville (OH).
Meyersdale Area blanks Berlin-Brothersvalley 10-0
The Red Raiders shutout the Mountaineers and gain another gigantic road victory. Meyersdale Area pushes their record to 5-1 on the season and hosts Northern Bedford County this week.
