The 2026 high school football action kicked off this past weekend with some great games across Pennsylvania! Here is Mr. PA Football’s recap of some of the top games.
West Allegheny Edges Chartiers Valley 17-16
The Indians gave legendary head coach Bob Palko a winning return to the sidelines as West Allegheny defeated Chartiers Valley 17-16 in the inaugural Mr. PA Football Kickoff Classic. This game was a tremendous match-up and one of the biggest games across Western Pennsylvania this weekend.
West Allegheny won a hard-fought battle that came down to the final moments. The Indians were led offensively by senior QB Mason Bryan, who completed 7 of 11 passes for 78 yards and rushed for 110 yards on 24 carries. Bryan finished the night with 188 total yards and was a major factor in the Indians’ victory.
Chartiers Valley continued to battle throughout the game and had an opportunity to make a late comeback, but the West Allegheny defense came up with the biggest play of the night. Junior Kingston Henke sealed the victory with a game-clinching interception in the final moments. Henke finished the game with six tackles and was a standout performer on the defensive side of the ball.
The victory was especially meaningful for West Allegheny as Palko returned to the sidelines as head coach. The longtime Western Pennsylvania coaching legend began his return with a dramatic victory in front of the home crowd.
West Allegheny starts the season 1-0 with the victory, while Chartiers Valley drops to 0-1 after the hard-fought loss.
Standouts of the Game
West Allegheny:
- Senior QB/FS Mason Bryan — Offensive Player of the Game
- Junior CB/WR Kingston Henke — Defensive Player of the Game
- Junior WR/LB Nico Police
- Senior RB/FS Brodie Cornell
- Head Coach Bob Palko
Chartiers Valley:
- Junior WR/CB Aniko Hines
- Senior QB Owen Weagraff
- Senior DE/TE Jacob Hastings — 2 sacks
- Junior WR/CB Easton Staab
Next Week: West Allegheny travels to Pine-Richland and Chartiers Valley hosts Hopewell.
#1 Southern Columbia Rallies to Defeat #5 Wyomissing 34-27
The Tigers overcame a second-half deficit to defeat Wyomissing 34-27 in the inaugural Mr. PA Football Kickoff Classic matchup between two of Pennsylvania’s most successful football programs. This game was a tremendous match-up and one of the biggest games across the Commonwealth this weekend.
The matchup also featured two of the most iconic coaches in Pennsylvania high school football history, Southern Columbia’s Jim Roth and Wyomissing’s Bob Wolfrum. The legendary coaches have combined for decades of success and championships, adding another memorable chapter to their storied careers with this highly anticipated opening-weekend matchup.
Southern Columbia and Wyomissing battled throughout the night, with the game tied 14-14 at halftime. Wyomissing took a 21-20 lead in the third quarter before the Tigers responded with a huge play from senior Joey Williams, who broke loose for a 66-yard touchdown run to give Southern Columbia the lead.
Williams added another touchdown later in the game, finishing with 108 rushing yards and two touchdowns on just 10 carries. The Tigers’ ground game proved to be the difference as Southern Columbia finished with more than 300 rushing yards.
Senior QB Ayden Hockenbroch also played a major role in the victory, throwing for 148 yards and two touchdowns. Both of his touchdown passes went to senior TE Jace Malakoski, who hauled in scoring receptions of 17 and 14 yards.
Wyomissing quarterback Brady Eisenhower kept the Spartans in the game throughout the night, completing 8 of 12 passes for 190 yards and two touchdowns. Eisenhower connected with Andrew DiFabrizio on a 69-yard touchdown and Ethan Betances on a 61-yard touchdown.
Southern Columbia ultimately took control late in the fourth quarter. With the Tigers holding a one-score lead, they put together a 61-yard clock-killing drive, picking up five first downs and keeping the ball for more than seven minutes. Hockenbroch sealed the victory with an 11-yard fourth-down run to keep the drive alive.
The victory avenged Wyomissing’s 49-27 victory over Southern Columbia a year ago and gives the Tigers a 1-0 start to the 2026 season. Southern Columbia has now won 16 consecutive games dating back to last season. Wyomissing drops to 0-1 after a highly competitive season opener.
For Roth and Wolfrum, the game was another opportunity to showcase two legendary programs and two coaches who have played an enormous role in shaping Pennsylvania high school football. The inaugural Mr. PA Football Kickoff Classic provided a fitting stage for this historic matchup.
Standouts of the Game
Southern Columbia:
- Senior QB Ayden Hockenbroch — Offensive Player of the Game
- Senior RB Joey Williams
- Senior TE Jace Malakoski
- Senior DE/TE Chase Williams — Defensive Player of the Game
Wyomissing:
- Junior QB Brady Eisenhower
- Senior WR/CB Andrew DiFabrizio
- Senior RB/CB Ethan Betances
- Senior LB/TE Diamante Strong
Next Week: Southern Columbia travels to Williams Valley and Wyomissing travels to Frankford.
#1 Central Catholic Pulls Away from #4 Bergen Catholic 45-30
The Vikings made a major statement on opening weekend as Pittsburgh Central Catholic defeated New Jersey powerhouse Bergen Catholic 45-30 in the KDKA Kickoff Classic at the Wolvarena. This game was a tremendous match-up between two nationally recognized programs and one of the biggest games of opening weekend.
Bergen Catholic came out fast, taking a 7-0 lead just 39 seconds into the game when sophomore QB Trey Tagliaferri connected with senior WR Austin Busso on an 84-yard touchdown pass. Central Catholic quickly answered, however, as the Vikings settled in and took control of the game.
Central Catholic scored 24 consecutive points before halftime, including a 29-yard field goal from senior Antonio DiFatta and a 3-yard touchdown run by senior Roman Thompson. The Vikings’ offensive line dominated the line of scrimmage throughout the contest and helped Central Catholic establish a powerful rushing attack.
Junior RB Chrys Black was spectacular for the Vikings. Black rushed for 153 yards and three touchdowns on 16 carries while adding 37 receiving yards, producing one of the biggest individual performances of opening weekend. After committing a costly fumble in the third quarter, Black responded by scoring three second-half touchdowns to help Central Catholic put the game away.
Junior QB Owen Herrick also played a key role in the victory, throwing for 123 yards and two touchdowns. Central Catholic finished with 256 rushing yards and scored five rushing touchdowns as the Vikings’ offensive line controlled the trenches against a talented Bergen Catholic front.
Bergen Catholic refused to go away quietly. Tagliaferri finished with an impressive 373 passing yards and three touchdowns, while Busso led the Crusaders with 116 receiving yards and a touchdown. Bergen Catholic cut into Central Catholic’s lead in the second half, but the Vikings answered with back-to-back scores to regain control and finish off the 45-30 victory.
The victory gives Central Catholic a 1-0 start to the season and extends the Vikings’ home winning streak. Central Catholic entered the season as Pennsylvania’s No. 1-ranked 6A team and immediately backed up that ranking with an impressive victory over one of New Jersey’s premier programs.
Standouts of the Game
Central Catholic:
- Junior RB Chrys Black — Offensive Player of the Game
- Junior QB Owen Herrick
- Senior RB/LB Roman Thompson
- Central Catholic Offensive Line
Bergen Catholic:
- Sophomore QB Trey Tagliaferri
- Senior WR Austin Busso
Next Week: Central Catholic travels to Woodland Hills and Bergen Catholic travels to Our Lady of Good Counsel.
#6 Paramus Catholic Runs Past #2 La Salle College 35-14
Paramus Catholic overcame an early 14-point deficit to defeat defending PIAA Class 6A champion La Salle College 35-14 in the 2026 Battle at the Beach in Ocean City, New Jersey. This game was a tremendous matchup between two nationally recognized programs and one of the biggest games of opening weekend.
La Salle came out firing and took a 14-0 lead, putting the pressure on the Paladins early. Paramus Catholic responded with one of the most impressive stretches of the opening weekend, scoring 35 consecutive points to completely take control of the game.
Senior RB Chukwuma Odoh, a Penn State commit, led the way for Paramus Catholic with a spectacular performance. Odoh rushed for 201 yards and two touchdowns on just 15 carries, including a 79-yard touchdown run that helped ignite the Paladins’ comeback.
Sophomore QB Walker Snee also played a major role in the victory, contributing two rushing touchdowns as Paramus Catholic’s rushing attack proved too much for the La Salle defense. The Paladins finished with an impressive 362 rushing yards on the night.
Paramus Catholic’s defense also came up with several huge plays during the comeback. The Paladins tied the game at 14-14 on a defensive touchdown before taking the lead and never looking back. The defense shut out La Salle after the opening quarter and helped the Paladins pull away in the second half.
La Salle entered the game as Pennsylvania’s defending 6A state champion and one of the top-ranked teams in the state, making the victory an enormous statement for Paramus Catholic. The Paladins’ ability to overcome a 14-point deficit and score 35 unanswered points made this one of the most impressive wins of opening weekend.
Paramus Catholic starts the season 1-0 with the victory, while La Salle College drops to 0-1. The Explorers will look to bounce back next week when they return home to face Malvern Prep.
Standouts of the Game
Paramus Catholic:
- Senior RB Chukwuma Odoh — Offensive Player of the Game
- Sophomore QB Walker Snee
La Salle College:
- Senior RB Ahzir Nelson — 213 rushing yards and 2 touchdowns
Next Week: Paramus Catholic hosts The St. James Performance Academy and La Salle College hosts Malvern Prep at the annual 2026 Battle at the Beach in Ocean City, New Jersey.
Quick Hitters Rundown
Big School Games:
#7 Roman Catholic falls to #5 St. John Bosco 45-25
The Cahillites battled nationally ranked St. John Bosco on Friday night before falling 45-25. St. John Bosco RB Maliq Allen helped power the Braves’ explosive offense, while QB Victor Ezeukwu and S/WR Coron Russell Jr. led Roman Catholic. The Cahillites showed plenty of fight against one of the nation’s premier programs.
#6 State College wins a thriller over #8 Central York 35-28
The Little Lions opened the season with a statement road win over Central York on Friday night. Senior RB Rowan Walker powered State College with 183 rushing yards and three touchdowns, while QB Connor Kulka helped lead an explosive offense. Central York’s Legend Johnson and the Panthers battled throughout, but State College made the big plays late to secure the victory.
Canon-McMillan upsets Peters Township 19-3
The Big Macs delivered one of Week 1’s biggest surprises, dominating Peters Township 19-3 on the road. QB Ty Jansma threw for 198 yards and a touchdown, while WR Roman Cimarolli added 54 receiving yards and a score. Canon-McMillan’s defense was outstanding, recording three sacks and keeping the Indians out of the end zone.
#9 Bishop McDevitt knocks off #4 Our Lady of Good Counsel 35-21
The Crusaders opened the season with a statement win over nationally ranked Good Counsel on Friday night. Bishop McDevitt QB Sebastian Williams helped lead an explosive offense as the Crusaders pulled away in the second half. Good Counsel’s WR Corey Smith Jr. provided a big-play threat, but McDevitt’s defense shut out the Falcons in the second half to secure the impressive 35-21 victory.
Central Bucks West cruises past Easton Area 36-7
The Bucks opened the season with a dominant win over District 11 power Easton on Friday night. QB Josh George threw three touchdown passes, including two to TE Liam Laphen, as CB West’s offense controlled the game from start to finish. The Bucks make an early statement in Week 1.
North Hills stuns North Allegheny 13-3
The Indians opened the season with a statement win, knocking off North Allegheny in a defensive battle Friday night. Coach Eric Kasperowicz made a memorable return to his alma mater as North Hills’ defense controlled the game and limited the Tigers to just three points. The Indians start the season 1-0 with a huge rivalry victory.
#4 Harrisburg rolls past York 40-19
The Cougars opened the season with a convincing road win over York on Friday night. Harrisburg’s explosive offense and physical defense took control after a competitive first half, pulling away in the second half to secure the 40-19 victory. The Cougars make an early statement in Week 1.
Manheim Township edges Cumberland Valley 20-14
The Blue Streaks opened the season with a statement road win over Cumberland Valley on Friday night. Manheim Township QB Dayne Byler threw two touchdown passes, while Chase Fletcher delivered the game’s biggest play with a 95-yard kickoff return for the go-ahead score late in the fourth quarter. The Blue Streak defense then held off a final Eagles drive to secure the 20-14 victory.
Hershey tops Milton Hershey 20-18
The Trojans opened the season with a hard-fought road victory over Milton Hershey on Friday night. Hershey RB/S Harrison Farmen powered the Trojans with 122 rushing yards and two touchdowns, including a receiving score. Milton Hershey battled until the final whistle, but Hershey held on for the 20-18 victory.
Red Land shocks Cedar Cliff 30-20
The Patriots opened the season with a statement road win over Cedar Cliff on Friday night, scoring 23 unanswered points to take control after a scoreless first quarter. Coach Jaimie Thomas and Red Land continued their momentum from last season, earning their second straight Shore Bowl victory over the Colts.
#2 Imhotep Charter dominates #4 Camden (NJ) 29-8
The Panthers made a statement Saturday night, pulling away from defending New Jersey Group 2 champion Camden in the second half. Coach Devon Johnson and Imhotep’s defense forced three interceptions, including three from CB Malik Drayton, while RB Yazid McCorkle added two rushing touchdowns. The Panthers open the season with an impressive interstate victory.
Big School/Small School Crossover
Thomas Jefferson makes a statement against Belle Vernon, 34-6
The Jaguars made a statement in Week 1, dominating Belle Vernon 34-6 on the road. QB Hayden Kolling threw three touchdown passes, while RB Tyler Eber rushed for 141 yards and two scores. Thomas Jefferson’s offense controlled the game from start to finish as the Jaguars open the season in impressive fashion.
Small School Games:
#9 Hopewell hands #1 Avonworth a stunning 34-14 loss
The Vikings delivered one of Week 1’s biggest upsets, knocking off defending state champion and No. 1-ranked Avonworth. QB James Armstrong accounted for three touchdowns, while WR Avery Bokor hauled in four passes for 141 yards and a score. Hopewell’s physical defense helped seal the historic victory, handing Avonworth its first WPIAL loss since 2023.
#7 Farrell overwhelms #1 Clairton 33-6
The Steelers made a major statement Saturday at the KDKA Kickoff Classic, dominating defending WPIAL and PIAA Class 1A champion Clairton 33-6. Farrell’s experienced roster controlled the game on both sides of the ball, handing the Bears their first loss since 2024. The Steelers open the season with one of Pennsylvania’s biggest Week 1 wins.
#3 Seton LaSalle holds off North Catholic 48-32
The Rebels opened the season with a high-scoring victory over North Catholic on Friday night. Seton LaSalle RB Kymarr Freeman was unstoppable, scoring six touchdowns to power the Rebels’ offense. North Catholic battled throughout, but Seton LaSalle made enough big plays to secure the 48-32 win and start the season.
Mount Carmel outlasts #5 Schuylkill Haven 48-41
The Red Tornadoes opened the season with a wild shootout Friday night, knocking off #5 Schuylkill Haven 48-41. Mount Carmel RB/WR/DB Jaylen Delaney powered the offense with four rushing touchdowns, while the Tornadoes piled up 503 rushing yards. Schuylkill Haven battled throughout, but Mount Carmel made enough plays late to secure the impressive victory.
#6 Richland pulls away from Central Cambria 28-7
The Rams opened the season with a convincing road win over Central Cambria on Friday night. QB Jacob Regan threw for 199 yards and two touchdowns, while RB Joey Ragno scored twice. Richland’s defense also came up big with two interceptions, including picks by Arnold Mugerwa and Ragno.
