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.
#7 (5A) Upper St. Clair 31, #4 (4A) South Fayette 7
Two of Western Pennsylvania’s remaining unbeaten teams met Friday night, but it was Upper St. Clair that remained perfect after a strong second half.
The Panthers defeated South Fayette 31-7 in a nonconference matchup at Panther Stadium, improving to 5-0 on the season. South Fayette, which entered the game at 4-0, suffered its first loss and fell to 4-1.
Upper St. Clair opened the scoring with a 31-yard field goal by Cam Smith before Josh Snyder connected with Andrew Gaither on an 8-yard touchdown pass with 2:29 remaining in the first quarter. Snyder helped set up the score with a 22-yard run on third-and-11.
South Fayette answered in the second quarter when quarterback Logan Dedes, who started in place of injured starter Braeden Plasko, found Jacob Bostian for a 9-yard touchdown. The score cut the Upper St. Clair lead to 10-7, and that remained the score heading into halftime.
The Panthers took control in the fourth quarter, scoring three touchdowns to pull away. John Banbury opened the scoring surge with a 3-yard touchdown run before making a key defensive play with a sack on South Fayette’s next possession.
Upper St. Clair quickly capitalized again when Luca Coury scored on a 10-yard run. After South Fayette’s Aayden Wright fumbled, Andrew Gaither recovered for the Panthers, and Max Ligier finished the short drive with a 3-yard touchdown run to make it 31-7.
Upper St. Clair finished with 420 yards of total offense, including 280 rushing. Luca Coury led the Panthers with 110 rushing yards, while Snyder added 61, Banbury had 60 and Ligier contributed 43. Snyder completed 11 of 21 passes for 124 yards and a touchdown.
Defensively, John Banbury recorded eight tackles and a sack, while Gaither’s fumble recovery helped set up the final touchdown. South Fayette was held to just 80 total yards and five first downs, with Wright finishing with 48 rushing yards on 15 carries.
Standouts of the Game
Upper St. Clair:
- Junior QB/ATH Josh Snyder
- Junior WR/DB Andrew Gaither
- Senior RB/LB John Banbury
- Junior RB Luca Coury
South Fayette:
- Junior QB Logan Dedes
- Junior TE/DE Jacob Bostian
Next Week: Upper St. Clair opens conference play against Peters Township, while South Fayette hosts Chartiers Valley.
#4 (5A) Southern Lehigh 35, Lehighton 0
Southern Lehigh remained unbeaten Friday night with a dominant performance against another previously undefeated team.
The defending state champions defeated Lehighton 35-0 in a battle of Colonial League contenders, improving to 5-0 while handing the Indians their first loss of the season. Lehighton fell to 4-1.
Lehighton moved into Southern Lehigh territory on its opening possession, reaching the Spartans’ 32-yard line before Southern Lehigh stopped the Indians on fourth down. The Spartans immediately turned the defensive stop into points, marching 68 yards before Jack MoDavis scored on a 9-yard touchdown run.
After another three-and-out, Southern Lehigh put together another 68-yard scoring drive. Colton Sams found Jack Pavis for a 7-yard touchdown pass, with MoDavis adding the two-point conversion to make it 14-0.
Lehighton again moved the ball into Southern Lehigh territory before the Spartans stopped the Indians on fourth down. Southern Lehigh responded with a 70-yard touchdown drive, capped by Sams’ 16-yard touchdown pass to Otto Young with 51 seconds remaining in the first half. The Spartans took a 21-0 lead into halftime.
Southern Lehigh continued to pull away after the break. Sams connected with Tanner Traub for a 9-yard touchdown early in the third quarter before MoDavis added his second touchdown of the night on a 5-yard run.
Sams completed 13 of 16 passes for 157 yards and three touchdowns, while MoDavis carried 12 times for 105 yards and two scores. Young caught five passes for 68 yards and a touchdown.
Southern Lehigh finished with 212 rushing yards and 157 passing yards while holding Lehighton to 131 total yards. The Spartans have now posted three shutouts through their first five games.
Standouts of the Game
Southern Lehigh:
- Senior QB Colton Sams
- Junior RB Jack MoDavis
- Senior WR/CB Otto Young
- Junior FS/WR Jack Pavis
Lehighton:
- Senior RB/DB Lukas Croizier
- Junior DT/OT Dominic Lawrence
Next Week: Southern Lehigh travels to Saucon Valley, while Lehighton travels to Bangor.
#8 (3A) Mount Carmel 42, Danville 21
Mount Carmel remained perfect Friday night, using a huge third-quarter outburst to pull away from Danville.
The Red Tornadoes defeated the Ironmen 42-21 at Ironmen Stadium, improving to 5-0 on the season. Danville fell to 3-2 after trailing just 14-0 at halftime before Mount Carmel broke the game open after the break.
Mount Carmel opened the scoring in the first quarter when Mikey Higgins scored on a 2-yard touchdown run. The Red Tornadoes had other opportunities to add to their lead after recovering fumbles deep in Danville territory, but the Ironmen defense kept the game within reach.
Mount Carmel added to its advantage in the second quarter when Jaylen Delaney connected with Aidan Brokenshire on a 19-yard touchdown pass. The Red Tornadoes carried a 14-0 lead into halftime.
The third quarter, however, belonged entirely to Mount Carmel. The Red Tornadoes needed only 11 plays to score four touchdowns, turning a competitive game into a runaway.
Cooper Karycki got the scoring barrage started with a 66-yard touchdown run. Karycki then found the end zone again on a 28-yard touchdown reception from Delaney before Delaney added a 44-yard touchdown run.
Jaxon Boblick capped the explosive quarter with a 25-yard touchdown run, giving Mount Carmel a 42-0 lead entering the fourth quarter.
Danville continued to battle and scored three times in the final quarter. Ben Nye scored on a 15-yard run, Jack Rarig added a 4-yard touchdown run and Maxx Kitka finished the scoring with a 2-yard touchdown run.
Mount Carmel’s offense finished with 409 rushing yards, with 12 different players recording a rushing attempt. Jaylen Delaney carried 13 times for 100 yards and a touchdown while also completing 4 of 6 passes for 54 yards and two touchdowns. Cooper Karycki added 92 rushing yards and a touchdown.
Standouts of the Game
Mount Carmel:
- Senior QB/ATH Jaylen Delaney
- Senior RB/CB Cooper Karycki
- Sophomore RB/LB Mikey Higgins
- Junior WR/LB Aidan Brokenshire
- Junior WR/DB Jackson Boblick
Danville:
- Junior RB/LB Ben Nye
- Senior RB/LB Jack Rarig
- Freshman LB/RB Maxx Kitka
Next Week: Mount Carmel hosts Southern Columbia, while Danville hosts Montoursville.
Quick Hitters Rundown
Big School Games:
Central Bucks West Rallies Past North Penn, 28-26
Central Bucks West erased a 20-7 halftime deficit Friday night, rallying for a 28-26 victory over North Penn. The Bucks scored 21 second-half points to improve to 4-1, while North Penn fell to 3-2. Coach Rob Rowan and the Bucks found a way to complete the comeback in a District-1 battle.
#10 (6A) Pennridge Stays Unbeaten With 26-7 Win
Pennridge remained unbeaten Friday night, defeating Central Bucks East 26-7 to improve to 5-0. Aiden Tetkowski connected with Sean Leuthe for a touchdown as the Rams pulled away in the District-1 matchup. Coach Kyle Beller and Pennridge continued their perfect start to the season.
Coatesville Rolls Past West Chester East, 42-21
Coatesville continued its strong September run Friday night, pulling away from West Chester East for a 42-21 victory at Coatesville Memorial Stadium. The Red Raiders have now won three-straight after opening the season with back-to-back losses, improving to 3-2 on the season. Coach Matt Ortega and Coatesville will carry that momentum into next week’s matchup with Downingtown West.
Downingtown West Rolls Past West Chester Rustin, 31-3
Downingtown West rolled to a 31-3 victory over West Chester Rustin on Friday night. The Whippets controlled the District-1 matchup from start to finish and improved to 4-1. Coach Tom Kline has Downingtown West back on track after the Whippets’ narrow victory over Perkiomen Valley the previous week.
West Chester Henderson Takes Down Upper Moreland, 33-6
West Chester Henderson handed previously unbeaten Upper Moreland its first loss of the season Friday night, rolling to a 33-6 victory. The Warriors improved to 4-1 behind a strong all-around performance, while Upper Moreland dropped to 4-1. Coach John Lunardi led Henderson to the convincing District-1 victory.
Dover Dominates Susquehannock, 41-3
Dover stayed unbeaten in South Central Athletic Conference play Friday night, cruising past Susquehannock 41-3 to improve to 4-1. Quarterback Iyon Valenti Jr. was the difference-maker for the Eagles, throwing five touchdown passes as Dover’s offense continued to roll. Coach Wayne Snelbaker and Dover have now won four-straight after opening the season with a loss to Conestoga Valley.
Solanco Stays Unbeaten With 57-19 Win Over Cocalico
Solanco stayed unbeaten Friday night with a 57-19 victory over Cocalico in District 3 play. Wesley Bard continued his outstanding season with five touchdowns as the Golden Mules piled up the points. Coach Anthony Cox and Solanco improved to 5-0 with another impressive offensive showing.
Ephrata Edges Conestoga Valley, 25-23
Ephrata bounced back from last week’s loss to Exeter with a 25-23 victory over Conestoga Valley Friday night at War Memorial Field. Malachi Knowles scored twice on the ground, including the go-ahead touchdown in the fourth quarter, as the Mountaineers improved to 4-1 and handed the Buckskins their first loss. Coach Kris Miller and Ephrata now turn their attention to next week’s matchup with Muhlenberg.
Gettysburg Bounces Back With 33-14 Win Over Mechanicsburg
Gettysburg bounced back from last week’s loss to Northern York in impressive fashion Friday night, pulling away for a 33-14 victory over Mechanicsburg. Grant Johnson accounted for three of the Warriors’ touchdowns, helping Gettysburg build a lead it would not surrender. Coach Jake Johnson and Gettysburg improved to 4-1 with the win.
Manheim Township Responds With 45-12 Win Over Cedar Crest
Manheim Township answered last week’s shutout loss to Wilson in a big way Friday night, rolling past Cedar Crest 45-12 for its fourth win of the season. Quarterback Dayne Byler threw three touchdown passes and added another score on the ground as the Blue Streaks put together their highest-scoring game of the season. Coach Mark Evans and Manheim Township improved to 4-1 while handing Cedar Crest its first loss.
#6 (5A) Penn-Trafford Continues Dominant Start, 64-0
Penn-Trafford remained unbeaten Friday night, shutting out Connellsville 64-0. Ben Grabowski helped lead another huge offensive night for the Warriors, who have continued to dominate through the first five weeks. Coach John Ruane and Penn-Trafford improved to 5-0.
#9 (5A) Thomas Jefferson Holds Off #5 (4A) Montour, 34-29
Thomas Jefferson held off Montour 34-29 Friday night in a high-scoring nonconference matchup. Tyler Eber and Harrison Kolling helped lead the Jaguars in a game that featured 63 combined points. Coach Bill Cherpak and Thomas Jefferson remained unbeaten with the five-point victory.
#1 (5A) Pine-Richland Rolls Past North Allegheny, 40-7
#1 (5A) Pine-Richland jumped on North Allegheny early and never looked back Friday night, racing to a 23-0 halftime lead before cruising to a 40-7 victory. Kiernan Cassidy scored twice in the second quarter, while Khalil Taylor added a 72-yard punt return for a touchdown as the Rams continued their strong start to the season. Pine-Richland improved to 4-1 with its fourth victory by at least 29 points.
Peters Township Knocks Off McKeesport, 20-10
Peters Township earned a 20-10 road victory over McKeesport on Friday night, improving to 2-3 and handing the Tigers their third loss of the season. Jaden Blair rushed for 178 yards and two touchdowns, while Taven Antosh kicked field goals of 22 and 21 yards for the Indians. Blair’s 53-yard touchdown run helped Peters Township take control in the third quarter, and the Indians held McKeesport scoreless in the fourth. McKeesport’s only touchdown came on Makai Daniels’ 82-yard fumble return, as Peters Township did not allow an offensive touchdown. Coach T.J. Plack and the Indians picked up their second win of the season.
#5 (6A) Parkland Posts Second Straight Shutout, 35-0
#5 (6A) Parkland made it two straight shutouts Friday night, blanking Northampton 35-0 to improve to 4-1. Tycen Norman scored four touchdowns as the Trojans broke open a scoreless game with 28 points in the second quarter. The victory was also Coach Tim Moncman’s 200th career win and 100th victory at Parkland.
Allentown Central Catholic Tops Easton, 14-13
Allentown Central Catholic held off Easton 14-13 Friday night in a tight nonconference battle at Cottingham Stadium. The Vikings improved to 3-2 with their second straight victory, while Easton slipped to 2-3 after another close game. Coach Jake Reichard and ACC will now turn their attention to Emmaus as league play continues.
Shikellamy Explodes Past Jersey Shore, 56-27
Shikellamy turned in another huge offensive performance Friday night, defeating Jersey Shore 56-27. Thomas Pollock helped lead the Braves’ attack as Shikellamy improved to 4-1, while Jersey Shore fell to 3-2. Coach Mike Hoover and the Braves bounced back in a big way after last week’s narrow win over Williamsport.
Big School/Small School Crossover:
#10 (4A) General McLane Rolls Past Corry, 42-14
General McLane stayed perfect Friday night, rolling past Corry 42-14 to improve to 5-0. Charlie Bennett sparked the Lancers with 180 rushing yards and two touchdowns on just nine carries as General McLane piled up 303 yards on the ground. The Lancers have now won five-straight to open the season.
#9 (2A) Karns City Grinds Out 20-14 Win Over DuBois
Karns City remained unbeaten Friday night, grinding out a 20-14 victory over DuBois after the teams were tied at 14 heading into the fourth quarter. Owen Kaufman scored both of the Gremlins’ touchdowns, including the 17-yard run that broke the tie with 5:58 remaining. Karns City then held off a late DuBois drive to move to 5-0.
Small School Class 1A-3A:
#8 (2A) Greenville Runs Away From Slippery Rock, 51-6
Greenville continued its perfect start Friday night, rolling past Slippery Rock 51-6 to improve to 5-0. Quarterback Cael Thurber threw four touchdown passes, a season-best performance that helped the Trojans pull away in another convincing District-10 victory. Coach Michael Menold and Greenville have now won all five of their games by double digits.
#5 (1A) Wilmington Wins Wild Finish Over Mercyhurst Prep, 36-29
Wilmington pulled out one of the wildest finishes of the night Friday, rallying past Mercyhurst Prep 36-29 in a game that featured three touchdowns in the final minutes. Chase Mitcheltree scored twice in the final 2:22, including a 40-yard touchdown catch from Rowan Miller with 35 seconds remaining that gave the Greyhounds the lead for good. Coach Brandon Phillian and Wilmington improved to 4-1 after bouncing back from last week’s loss to Farrell.
Montgomery Holds Off Muncy, 30-20
Montgomery continued its strong start Friday night, defeating Muncy 30-20 to improve to 4-1 and remain unbeaten in conference play. The Red Raiders have now won nine straight games at home, including Friday night’s District-4 matchup with the Indians.
Bellwood-Antis Runs Past Tyrone, 37-14
Bellwood-Antis bounced back from last week’s loss to Central in emphatic fashion Friday night, scoring all 37 of its points in the first half of a 37-14 victory over Tyrone. Alex McCartney rushed for two touchdowns, while Chase Plummer added another score as the Blue Devils took control early. Coach Nick Lovrich and Bellwood-Antis improved to 4-1 with their third straight win over Tyrone.
Central Cambria Survives Penn Cambria in Overtime, 15-14
Central Cambria survived a back-and-forth battle with Penn Cambria Friday night, pulling out a 15-14 overtime victory to improve to 4-1. The Red Devils have now won four-straight after opening the season with a loss to Richland. Coach Wade Klezek and Central Cambria remained unbeaten in Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference play with the victory.
Philipsburg-Osceola Extends Win Streak to Four With 22-14 Victory
Philipsburg-Osceola defeated Bald Eagle Area 22-14 Friday night to improve to 4-1. Junior running back Damarcus Law continued to pace the Mounties’ ground attack as Coach Jeff Vroman and P-O picked up another District-6 victory.
#3 (1A) Clairton Edges #1 (1A) Washington, 8-7
Clairton rallied past Washington, 8-7, Friday night in a defensive battle between two of the WPIAL’s top Class 1A teams. Junior linebacker Ty’Ron Armstrong blocked a Washington punt in the third quarter, giving the Bears possession deep in Prexies territory. Senior Quintin Napper then scored on a 3-yard touchdown run and added the two-point conversion to give Clairton the lead for good. Coach Wayne Wade and the Bears improved to 3-2 with the victory, while Washington fell to 4-1.
