The 2026 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.
#1 (6A) Central Catholic Pulls Away From #1 (5A) Pine-Richland 48-24
#1 (6A) Central Catholic pulled away from #1 (5A) Pine-Richland 48-24 Friday night in a battle between two of the top teams in the WPIAL. The game also marked the opening of U.S. Steel Community Field at Hazelwood Green, giving the Vikings their first permanent home field.
Pine-Richland got on the scoreboard first with a field goal from Senior K Landon Brown, but Central Catholic quickly answered when Junior RB/FS Chrys Black Jr. scored on a rushing touchdown to give the Vikings a 7-3 lead. The Rams responded when Senior QB/DB Aaron Strader connected with Senior WR/DB Khalil Taylor on a 60-yard touchdown pass, putting Pine-Richland back in front 10-7.
The Vikings regained the lead in the second quarter when Junior QB Owen Herrick found Senior WR/CB Zach Gleason for a touchdown. Central Catholic added another score after a fumble recovery, with Senior RB/LB Roman Thompson finding the end zone to extend the lead.
Pine-Richland answered again when Taylor returned the ensuing kickoff 99 yards for a touchdown. Central Catholic continued to respond, however, as Herrick connected with Senior WR/DB Connor Melnik for another score. The Vikings then came up with a huge defensive stand at the end of the half, stopping the Rams at the one-yard line to take a 27-17 lead into halftime.
The Rams came out of halftime with a big play as Strader broke free for an 87-yard touchdown run, cutting the Central Catholic lead to 27-24. That would be as close as Pine-Richland would get.
Thompson added another touchdown on a wildcat run before Black provided the Vikings with a huge special teams play, returning a punt 70 yards for a touchdown. Black added another rushing touchdown in the fourth quarter as Central Catholic pulled away for the 48-24 victory. Black finished with 253 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns, along with the punt-return score.
Central Catholic improves to 3-0, while Pine-Richland falls to 2-1.
Standouts of the Game:
Central Catholic
- Junior RB/FS Chrys Black Jr.
- Senior RB/LB Roman Thompson
- Junior QB Owen Herrick
- Senior WR/CB Zach Gleason
- Senior WR/DB Connor Melnik
Pine-Richland
- Senior QB/DB Aaron Strader
- Senior WR/DB Khalil Taylor
- Senior K Landon Brown
Next Week: Central Catholic hosts Norwin and Pine-Richland travels to Mt. Lebanon.
#3 Bergen Catholic (NJ) Dominates #2 St. Joseph’s Prep 33-3
#3 Bergen Catholic turned in a dominant performance Saturday afternoon, defeating #2 St. Joseph’s Prep 33-3 at Jack McGovern Field in Oradell, New Jersey. After the teams traded field goals in the opening quarter, the Crusaders took control and pulled away for the convincing victory.
St. Joseph’s Prep opened the scoring with a field goal, but Bergen Catholic answered with a field goal of its own to make it 3-3 after one quarter.
The Crusaders took control in the second quarter, scoring 17 points while their defense kept the Hawks from finding any offensive rhythm. Bergen Catholic took a 20-3 lead into halftime.
Sophomore QB Trey Tagliaferri connected with WR Bryan Porter on a 15-yard touchdown pass in the second quarter to extend the Bergen Catholic lead. Porter continued to make an impact throughout the afternoon, scoring three touchdowns for the Crusaders.
Bergen Catholic’s defense continued to smother St. Joseph’s Prep in the second half, holding the Hawks scoreless while the Crusaders added 13 points in the fourth quarter to complete the 33-3 victory. St. Joseph’s Prep also lost junior QB Max Rodgers to an injury during the first quarter of the game.
The victory moves Bergen Catholic to 1-2 on the season, while St. Joseph’s Prep falls to 1-1.
Standouts of the Game:
Bergen Catholic
- Sophomore QB Trey Tagliaferri
- Senior WR Bryan Porter
- Bergen Catholic Defense
St. Joseph’s Prep
- Junior WR Jett Harrison
- Senior LB Brandon Lockley Jr.
- Senior CB/ATH Masiia Acrey
Next Week: St. Joseph’s Prep hosts Malvern Prep, while Bergen Catholic travels to St. Peter’s Prep.
#4 State College Holds Off #5 Bishop McDevitt 27-20
#4 State College remained unbeaten Friday night, holding off #5 Bishop McDevitt 27-20 at Rocco Ortenzio Stadium in Harrisburg. The Little Lions improved to 3-0 with the road victory, while the Crusaders suffered their first loss of the season.
State College took a 7-6 lead after the opening quarter, with both teams finding the end zone early. The Little Lions added another touchdown in the second quarter, while Bishop McDevitt answered with a score of its own, leaving State College with a 14-13 advantage at halftime.
Junior QB Connor Kulka directed the State College offense throughout the night, completing 16 of 22 passes for 185 yards and a touchdown. Senior RB/SS Rowan Walker was also a major factor on the ground, rushing for 126 yards and a touchdown on 34 carries.
Senior WR/DB Anderson “A.J.” Fry provided another important weapon for the Little Lions, while senior Keen Furmanek had a big night in the passing game, finishing with four receptions for 69 yards and a touchdown.
Bishop McDevitt battled throughout the second half behind senior QB Sebastian Williams, who completed 13 of 17 passes for 182 yards and three touchdowns. Freshman RB Kaedyn Walker rushed for 78 yards on nine carries, while junior WR/DB Howard Holton Jr. caught six passes for 43 yards and two touchdowns. Senior WR Jontai Quick added two receptions for 53 yards.
State College outscored McDevitt 6-0 in the third quarter to take a 20-13 lead, then answered a fourth-quarter Crusaders touchdown with one of its own to secure the 27-20 victory and remain undefeated through three games.
State College improves to 3-0 on the season, while Bishop McDevitt falls to 2-1.
Standouts of the Game:
State College
- Junior QB Connor Kulka
- Senior RB/SS Rowan Walker
- TE/LB Senior Keen Furmanek
- Senior WR/DB Anderson “A.J.” Fry
Bishop McDevitt
- Senior QB Sebastian Williams
- Freshman RB Kaedyn Walker
- Junior WR/DB Howard Holton Jr.
- Senior WR/CB Jontai Quick
Next Week: State College travels to Central Dauphin East, while Bishop McDevitt travels to Cedar Cliff.
Quick Hitters Rundown
Big School Games:
#2 Imhotep Charter rallies past #3 Malvern Prep 27-21
The Panthers rallied from a halftime deficit Saturday afternoon, coming back to defeat Malvern Prep 27-21 at the Germantown Supersite. Imhotep outscored the Friars 13-0 in the second half and shut Malvern out over the final two quarters to complete the comeback. Head coach Devon Johnson and the Panthers improved to 2-1, while Malvern Prep fell to 1-1.
#3 Harrisburg rolls past Cumberland Valley 28-7
The Cougars continued their unbeaten start Friday night, rolling past Cumberland Valley 28-7 on the road. Senior RB Princeton Dent led the way with 126 rushing yards on 19 carries and two touchdowns, helping Harrisburg control the game throughout the night. Head coach Calvin Everett and Harrisburg improved to 3-0, while Cumberland Valley fell to 1-2.
Roman Catholic stuns #2 DeMatha Catholic 14-7
Roman Catholic pulled off one of the biggest wins of the night Friday, knocking off previously unbeaten #2 DeMatha Catholic 14-7 on the road in Maryland. The Cahillites trailed 7-0 after the opening quarter before scoring 14 unanswered points to complete the upset. Head coach Rick Prete and Roman Catholic improved to 1-2, while DeMatha fell to 2-1.
Thomas Jefferson Survives #5 McKeesport 40-33
Thomas Jefferson rallied from a 13-point second-half deficit Friday night to defeat rival McKeesport 40-33 in a wild back-and-forth battle. Senior RB Tyler Eber powered the Jaguars with 203 rushing yards and four touchdowns on 41 carries, while McKeesport senior RB Kemon Spell delivered an incredible performance with 296 rushing yards and four touchdowns. Head coach Bill Cherpak and Thomas Jefferson improved to 2-0, while McKeesport fell to 1-2.
Pennridge Knocks Off Council Rock South 27-10
The Rams remained unbeaten Thursday night, pulling away from Council Rock South for a 27-10 road victory. Junior RB Trevor Picciotti rushed for 127 yards and a touchdown while also catching a TD pass as Pennridge took control in the second half. Head coach Kyle Beller and the Rams improved to 3-0, while Council Rock South fell to 2-1.
#5 Penn-Trafford Downs Moon Area 22-7
Penn-Trafford remained unbeaten Friday night, defeating Moon 22-7 at Joe Walton Stadium at Robert Morris University. Senior QB Ben Grabowski led the Warriors with 177 rushing yards and two touchdowns while adding 104 yards through the air. Head coach John Ruane and Penn-Trafford improved to 3-0, while Moon fell to 0-2.
Parkland Throttles Easton Area 44-14
The Trojans put together a dominant performance Friday night, pulling away from Easton Area for a 44-14 road victory at Cottingham Stadium. Senior RB/LB T.J. Lawrence powered the Parkland ground game with 189 rushing yards and three touchdowns on 22 carries. Head coach Tim Moncman and the Trojans improved to 2-1, while Easton Area fell to 1-2.
La Salle College breaks through with 38-24 win over Archbishop Wood
The Explorers picked up their first victory of the season Saturday afternoon, defeating Archbishop Wood 38-24 at William Tennent High School. La Salle overcame an 0-2 start with a strong offensive performance against the previously unbeaten Vikings. Head coach Brett Gordon and the Explorers improved to 1-2, while Archbishop Wood fell to 2-1.
#7 Upper St. Clair Uses Takeaways to Defeat Canon-McMillan 21-10
The Panthers remained unbeaten Friday night, taking advantage of four Canon-McMillan turnovers to earn a 21-10 victory. Upper St. Clair quarterback Josh Snyder added a key 12-yard rushing touchdown in the third quarter as the Panthers built a 21-3 advantage. Upper St. Clair improved to 3-0, while Canon-McMillan fell to 1-2.
#4 Pope John Paul II Takes Down #8 West Chester Rustin 26-14
Pope John Paul II picked up a big win Thursday night, defeating West Chester Rustin 26-14 at home. The Golden Panthers controlled the game against a Rustin team that entered the night with a 1-1 record, earning their second victory of the season. Pope John Paul II improved to 2-1, while West Chester Rustin fell to 1-2.
Manheim Township Edges Central York 31-27
The Blue Streaks remained unbeaten Friday night, edging Central York 31-27 in a back-and-forth battle at Panther Stadium. Head coach Mark Evans and Manheim Township improved to 3-0 with the road victory, while Central York fell to 1-2. The Panthers battled until the final whistle, but Manheim Township made enough plays late to secure the win.
Hempfield Area Shocks Trinity 44-20
Hempfield Area picked up its first win of the season Friday night, stunning Trinity 44-20 in a strong second-half performance. Senior QB Carden Lippmann accounted for five touchdowns, throwing for 197 yards and three scores while adding 77 rushing yards and two touchdowns on the ground. Head coach Nick Keefer and Hempfield Area improved to 1-2, while Trinity fell to 2-1.
North Hills Handles Bethel Park 29-6
North Hills made a statement Friday night, defeating Bethel Park 29-6 in the home coaching debut of head coach Eric Kasperowicz. The Indians controlled the game on both sides of the football to remain unbeaten at 2-0. Bethel Park fell to 1-1 after opening the season with back-to-back wins.
South Fayette Comes Back to Top #3 Montour 35-28
South Fayette erased a 15-point deficit Friday night, rallying from behind to defeat Montour 35-28 in a battle of unbeaten teams. The Lions scored 22 unanswered points after trailing 28-13, with senior QB Braeden Plasko providing the go-ahead touchdown on a 34-yard run in the third quarter. Head coach Marty Spieler and South Fayette improved to 3-0, while Montour fell to 2-1.
Woodland Hills Outlasts North Allegheny 33-25
The Wolverines came through in a back-and-forth battle Friday night, defeating North Allegheny 33-25 at Newman Stadium. Junior QB Jaron McKinney Jr. threw five touchdown passes as Woodland Hills rallied from a 17-14 halftime deficit. The Wolverines improved to 2-1, while North Allegheny fell to 0-3.
West Allegheny Dominates Gateway 49-10
West Allegheny bounced back in a big way Friday night, dominating Gateway 49-10 at home. The Indians controlled the game from the start and turned in a strong offensive performance after suffering a 59-20 loss to Pine-Richland the previous week. Senior QB Mason Bryan and senior RB/FS Brodie Cornell were among the key contributors as West Allegheny improved to 2-1, while Gateway fell to 2-1.
Downingtown West Overpowers Owen J. Roberts 34-8
Downingtown West picked up its second straight victory Thursday night, defeating Owen J. Roberts 34-8 at Wildcat Stadium. The Whippets controlled the game on both sides of the football and pulled away from the Wildcats after Owen J. Roberts opened the season with back-to-back wins. Head coach Tom Kline and Downingtown West improved to 2-1, while Owen J. Roberts fell to 2-1.
#9 Central Bucks West Cruises Past Souderton 35-14
#9 Central Bucks West continued its perfect start Thursday night, overpowering Souderton 35-14 on the road. The Bucks controlled the game throughout, jumping out to a 21-0 halftime lead before Souderton scored twice in the fourth quarter. Head coach Rob Rowan and Central Bucks West improved to 3-0, while Souderton fell to 0-3.
Susquehanna Township Topples #9 Hollidaysburg 23-7
Susquehanna Township picked up its first victory of the season Friday night, defeating Hollidaysburg 23-7 at home. The Indians controlled the game against a Hollidaysburg team that entered the night unbeaten, handing the Golden Tigers their first loss of the season. Head coach Joe Headen and Susquehanna Township improved to 1-2, while Hollidaysburg fell to 2-1.
Mechanicsburg Beats Red Land 14-2
Mechanicsburg’s defense delivered a dominant performance Friday night, leading the Wildcats to a 14-2 victory over Red Land. The Wildcats held the Patriots to just two points in a defensive battle to bounce back from their Week 2 loss to Northern York. Head coach Dave Heckard and Mechanicsburg improved to 2-1, while Red Land fell to 1-2.
Big School/Small School Crossover
#1 Northwestern Lehigh Rolls by Bangor 56-7
#1 Northwestern Lehigh continued its dominant start Thursday night, cruising past Bangor 56-7 in a District 11 matchup. The Tigers exploded for 42 points in the first quarter, including two punt-return touchdowns, to take control from the opening whistle. Head coach Josh Snyder and Northwestern Lehigh improved to 3-0, while Bangor fell to 1-2.
Small School Class 1A-3A
#10 Propel Braddock Hills Upends #4 Hopewell 28-21
Propel Braddock Hills pulled off one of the night’s biggest upsets Friday, knocking off previously unbeaten #4 Hopewell 28-21 at UPMC Graham Field. The victory gave the Falcons their second win of the season while handing Hopewell its first loss. Head coach Laroi Johnson and Propel Braddock Hills improved to 2-1, while Hopewell fell to 2-1.
#1 Southern Columbia Handles Montoursville 48-14
#1 Southern Columbia continued its dominant start Friday night, defeating Montoursville 48-14 on the road. The Tigers jumped out early and controlled the game throughout, continuing their strong start against a Montoursville team that entered the night 1-1. Legendary head coach Jim Roth and Southern Columbia improved to 3-0, while Montoursville fell to 1-2.
#3 Seton LaSalle Shuts Out #2 Aliquippa 28-0
Seton La Salle delivered one of the biggest wins of the night Friday, shutting out #2 Aliquippa 28-0 at Dormont Memorial Stadium. The Rebels controlled the game from start to finish, handing the Quips their first loss of the season in impressive fashion. Seton La Salle improved to 3-0, while Aliquippa fell to 1-1.
#8 Greenville Whips Sharpsville 58-7
#8 Greenville continued its perfect start Friday night, cruising past Sharpsville 58-7 in a battle of previously unbeaten teams. The Trojans jumped out to a 21-0 lead in the first quarter and controlled the game throughout, making a statement in the District-10 Region 1 matchup. Greenville improved to 3-0, while Sharpsville fell to 2-1.
Bellwood-Antis Defeats Huntingdon 30-6
Bellwood-Antis continued its perfect start Friday night, defeating Huntingdon 30-6 at home. The Blue Devils controlled the game throughout, building on earlier victories over Clearfield and Bishop McCort to remain unbeaten. Head coach Nick Lovrich and Bellwood-Antis improved to 3-0, while Huntingdon fell to 1-2.
