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 (4A) Montour Rolls Past #9 (3A) Elizabeth-Forward, 49-12
Montour scored on all seven possessions Friday night, handing previously unbeaten Elizabeth-Forward its first loss with a 49-12 road victory. The Spartans scored in every quarter and built a 28-6 halftime lead behind four touchdowns from senior Zander Stern.
Stern finished with four catches for 118 yards and four receiving touchdowns. He also scored on a 78-yard fake-punt run, accounting for five touchdowns overall in Montour’s dominant performance.
Elizabeth-Forward opened the scoring when junior Kaden Allen ran for a 9-yard touchdown. Montour answered with Stern’s 78-yard run, then senior quarterback Dalton Young connected with Stern for touchdown receptions of 4, 24 and 72 yards in the second quarter. Brandon Bennett, Montour’s starting quarterback, was sidelined this week, and Young started in his place. Young completed 7 of 9 passes for 174 yards and four touchdowns.
Montour continued to pull away after halftime. Stern caught an 18-yard touchdown pass from sophomore Amari Marshall in the third quarter for his fourth receiving touchdown and fifth total touchdown of the night. Allen added his second rushing touchdown on a 7-yard run, while sophomore Amari Wright broke free for a 53-yard touchdown run to extend Montour’s lead.
The Spartans added the final score in the fourth quarter when Young threw a 23-yard touchdown pass to Marshall, capping a night in which Montour scored on all seven of its possessions.
Elizabeth-Forward sophomore Rocco Thompson led the Warriors on the ground with 101 yards on 18 carries. Allen finished with two rushing touchdowns, but the Warriors suffered their first loss of the season.
Head coach Lou Cerro’s Montour squad improved to 6-2 with the victory. John DeMarco’s Elizabeth-Forward team fell to 7-1.
Standouts of the Game
Montour:
- Senior WR/DB Zander Stern
- Senior QB/LB Dalton Young
- Sophomore WR/DB Amari Marshall
- Sophomore RB/LB Amari Wright
Elizabeth-Forward:
- Junior QB/CB Kaden Allen
- Sophomore RB/LB Rocco Thompson
Next Week: Montour hosts Mars Area, while Elizabeth-Forward travels to Mount Pleasant.
#2 (4A) West York Dominates Northeastern, 50-7
West York continued its undefeated season with a dominant 50-7 victory over Northeastern on Friday night, improving to 8-0. The Bulldogs scored 42 unanswered points in the first half, taking control of the South Central Athletic Conference Division-II matchup before halftime.
The Bulldogs wasted little time building their lead. Junior quarterback Jensen Ferber scored on runs of 1 and 9 yards, and senior Za’mir Harris added a 1-yard touchdown run to give West York a 21-0 advantage after the first quarter.
West York kept piling on points in the second quarter. Junior running back Aidan Wagner broke loose for a 72-yard touchdown run before Ferber connected with junior Tayvon Thomas on a 41-yard scoring pass. Wagner then added a 21-yard rushing touchdown, giving the Bulldogs a commanding 42-0 halftime lead.
Neither team scored in the third quarter. Northeastern got on the scoreboard in the fourth when Logan Evans connected with senior Steven Hutchins for an 11-yard touchdown. Junior kicker Grant Stephens added the extra point to make it 42-7.
West York answered with Zyliek Bowen’s 57-yard touchdown run. Thomas added the two-point conversion to complete the scoring.
Wagner led West York’s ground attack with 162 yards and two touchdowns on 11 carries. Ferber completed 8 of 13 passes for 127 yards and a touchdown while adding 28 rushing yards and two scores. Thomas contributed three catches for 66 yards and a receiving touchdown.
For Northeastern, junior Dijoun Dickson rushed for 89 yards on 17 carries. Sophomore quarterback Evans completed 8 of 16 passes for 73 yards, one touchdown and one interception, while junior Reese Wooden caught two passes for 46 yards. West York outgained the Bobcats 383-151.
Head coach Ron Miller’s Bulldogs improved to 8-0 overall and 5-0 in division play. Ryan Bologa’s Bobcats fell to 6-2 and 3-2, ending their three-game winning streak.
Standouts of the Game
West York:
- Junior QB Jensen Ferber
- Junior RB/FS Aidan Wagner
- Junior WR/CB Tayvon Thomas
- Sophomore RB/CB Zyliek Bowen
Northeastern:
- Junior RB/WR/DB Dijoun Dickson
- Senior RB/DB Steven Hutchins
- Junior WR/DB Reese Wooden
Next Week: West York travels to Susquehannock, while Northeastern visits Bermudian Springs.
#4 (5A) Southern Lehigh Outlasts #2 (3A) Notre Dame-Green Pond, 48-27
Southern Lehigh remained undefeated Friday night, defeating Notre Dame-Green Pond, 48-27, in a matchup between two teams that entered 7-0. The Spartans scored the final 22 points to improve to 8-0 and extend their winning streak to 14 games, while the Crusaders suffered their first loss and fell to 7-1.
Junior running back Adam Fritts set the tone early, scoring on touchdown runs of 4 and 7 yards in the first quarter. Notre Dame-Green Pond answered with a 69-yard touchdown run by junior quarterback Tommy Murphy, but Southern Lehigh responded when senior quarterback Colton Sams connected with Jack Pavis on a 23-yard touchdown pass as time expired in the opening quarter. The Spartans led 20-7.
The Crusaders continued to battle in the second quarter. Jonathan Striba scored on a 4-yard run, but Fritts added his third rushing touchdown on a 1-yard run. Notre Dame answered when Murphy connected with Striba on a 28-yard touchdown pass with 59 seconds remaining, cutting Southern Lehigh’s halftime lead to 26-20.
Notre Dame-Green Pond took its first lead early in the third quarter when senior running back Aaron Gordon broke free for an 85-yard touchdown run. Clemente Cintron added the extra point to put the Crusaders ahead 27-26. Southern Lehigh answered with Fritts’ 2-yard touchdown run, followed by a two-point conversion pass from Sams to senior Jack Fistner for a 34-27 lead.
Fritts continued to dominate in the fourth quarter. His 5-yard touchdown run extended the lead to 41-27 before he added a 22-yard score with 2:44 remaining to seal the victory. He also contributed a sack and a fumble recovery during the Spartans’ defensive effort.
Fritts finished with 175 rushing yards and six touchdowns on 32 carries. Sams completed 18 of 27 passes for 186 yards and a touchdown, while senior wide receiver Otto Young caught nine passes for 77 yards.
For Notre Dame-Green Pond, Murphy completed 15 of 24 passes for 189 yards, one touchdown and one interception, while rushing for 66 yards and a score on 11 carries. Gordon finished with 105 rushing yards and a touchdown on three carries. Striba contributed a 4-yard rushing touchdown and a 28-yard touchdown reception.
Head coach Phil Sams’ Spartans improved to 8-0 overall and 6-0 in Colonial League play. Head coach Phil Stambaugh’s Notre Dame-Green Pond squad fell to 7-1 overall and 5-1 in league play.
Standouts of the Game
Southern Lehigh:
- Junior RB/LB Adam Fritts
- Senior QB/FS Colton Sams
- Senior WR/CB Otto Young
- Junior SS/WR Jack Pavis
Notre Dame-Green Pond:
- Junior QB/FS Tommy Murphy
- Senior RB/DB Aaron Gordon
- Senior RB/WR Jonathan Striba
Next Week: Southern Lehigh hosts Northwestern Lehigh, while Notre Dame-Green Pond travels to Northern Lehigh.
Quick Hitters Rundown
Big School Games:
Spring-Ford Blanks #4 (4A) Pope John Paul II, 28-0
Spring-Ford blanked Pope John Paul II, 28-0, improving to 7-1 while the Golden Panthers fell to 6-2. Phoenix Martin rushed for 182 yards and two touchdowns on 24 carries, while Kaden Pickersgill completed 9 of 15 passes for 138 yards and two scores. Head coach Mike Palmer and the Rams earned their fourth consecutive victory.
Coatesville Beats West Chester Henderson, 42-25
Andre Watson Jr. rushed for 271 yards and three touchdowns and added two catches for 34 yards and another score as Coatesville defeated West Chester Henderson, 42-25. The Red Raiders improved to 5-3, while Henderson also moved to 5-3 following the Ches-Mont crossover matchup. Head coach Matt Ortega and Coatesville secured the victory, while head coach Bob Brice led the Warriors.
Northern York Claims Share of Keystone Title With 24-0 Shutout
Northern York blanked Hershey, 24-0, securing a share of the Mid-Penn Keystone Division title. Mason Barnett completed 8 of 12 passes for 139 yards, Tristan Wenrich scored just before halftime, and Brody Leathery added two fourth-quarter touchdowns to seal the victory. Head coach Jeff Costello and the Polar Bears celebrated the division title share.
North Hills Sacks Plum in 42-7 Conference Rout
North Hills built a 42-0 halftime lead and rolled past Plum, 42-7, improving to 6-1 overall and 3-0 in the WPIAL Class 5A Northeast Conference. The Indians recorded nine sacks, including four by Cameron Healey and three by Asher Morvay. Justus Green added an interception and a 51-yard fumble-return touchdown, helping head coach Eric Kasperowicz and North Hills earn the conference victory.
#5 (6A) Parkland Powers Past Allentown Central Catholic, 38-7
Sophomore Tycen Norman rushed for 159 yards and four touchdowns on 13 carries as Parkland defeated Allentown Central Catholic, 38-7, for its seventh straight win. Finn Coen completed 12 of 16 passes for 144 yards and a touchdown as the Trojans improved to 7-1. Head coach Tim Moncman and Parkland continued their winning streak, while Central Catholic fell to 5-3.
Nazareth Walks Off Against #10 (4A) Bethlehem Catholic, 52-49
Owen Hall drilled a 27-yard field goal as time expired to lift Nazareth past Bethlehem Catholic, 52-49. Jackson Medlar recorded the strip-sack, and Connor Nowroski recovered the ball to set up the winning kick. Will Bacolo rushed for three touchdowns, while Matt Leluga scored on an interception return and an 89-yard reception as the Blue Eagles improved to 7-1. Head coach Tom Falzone and Nazareth celebrated the dramatic win over head coach Joe Bernard’s Golden Hawks.
Small School Games:
#5 (1A) Wilmington Races Past Meyersdale, 35-21
Wilmington defeated Meyersdale, 35-21, behind a big performance from Chase Mitcheltree, who rushed for 185 yards and two touchdowns and caught a 74-yard touchdown pass from Rowan Miller. Cam Kettering scored on a 16-yard run, while Cael Kettering added a 9-yard rushing touchdown. Meyersdale’s Spencer Whitfield accounted for all three of the Red Raiders’ touchdowns, finishing with 84 rushing yards and 131 passing yards. Head coach Brandon Phillian and the Greyhounds improved to 7-1.
Central Rallies Past Central Cambria in 29-26 Thriller
Central scored 22 fourth-quarter points to rally past Central Cambria, 29-26, in a key Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference matchup. Jesse Muthler passed for 189 yards and two touchdowns, caught a touchdown pass from Carter Schenk, and added a rushing score. Ryan Chappell rushed for 166 yards and three touchdowns for Central Cambria. Head coach Jerry Albright and the Scarlet Dragons improved to 7-1, while Central Cambria fell to 6-2.
#8 (1A) Fort Cherry Pounds Jeannette, 42-3
Fort Cherry scored the first 35 points and rolled to a 42-3 victory over Jeannette on Thursday night. Eli Salvini rushed for three touchdowns, Ryan Huey added two rushing scores, and Joey Barna returned a punt 95 yards for a touchdown. Head coach Tanner Garry and the Rangers improved to 7-1 with their fourth consecutive victory, ending Jeannette’s six-game winning streak.
Highlands Runs Over Burrell Behind Owen-Cratsenberg, 34-6
Tevin Owen-Cratsenberg rushed for 315 yards and four touchdowns on 25 carries to lead Highlands past Burrell, 34-6. His 75-yard touchdown run helped the Golden Rams establish an early advantage, and he surpassed 2,000 rushing yards for the season. Logan Thies connected with Christian Pearson on a 21-yard touchdown pass. Head coach Matt Bonislawski and Highlands improved to 7-1, extending their winning streak to five games.
Apollo-Ridge Handles Steel Valley, 28-7
Apollo-Ridge defeated Steel Valley, 28-7, improving to 7-1 overall and 4-0 in the Allegheny Conference. Chris Dailey scored all four Vikings touchdowns on the ground as Apollo-Ridge scored on each of its first three possessions and controlled the game early. Beau Gourley contributed a 50-yard run, while the Vikings’ defense limited Steel Valley to a kickoff-return touchdown. Head coach John Skiba and Apollo-Ridge continued their strong season, while head coach Ray Braszo’s Ironmen fell to 5-3.
#3 (1A) Washington Overwhelms Monessen, 49-8
Washington built a 41-0 halftime lead and cruised to a 49-8 victory over Monessen in Black Hills Conference play. Jamarie Walker rushed for 129 yards and two touchdowns, while Ameer Nelson broke free for touchdown runs of 59 and 43 yards. Blaise Naraskivitch added touchdown runs of 3 and 29 yards as head coach Mike Bosnic and the Little Prexies improved to 7-1 overall and 4-0 in conference play.
North Catholic Streaks to Fifth Straight Victory, 38-7 over Neshannock
Anthony Greene rushed for 138 yards and two touchdowns on nine carries as North Catholic defeated Neshannock, 38-7, on Thursday in the inaugural 412 Classic. Will Waskiewicz added a 10-yard touchdown reception and a 64-yard punt-return score. Head coach Chris Rizzo and the Trojans improved to 5-3 with their fifth consecutive victory.
Keystone Shuts Out Redbank Valley in Rain-Soaked Battle, 21-0
Keystone overcame rainy, muddy conditions to shut out Redbank Valley, 21-0, and improve to 7-1. Dom Corcetti threw touchdown passes to Landyn Reed and Joey Spence while adding 74 rushing yards. Eli Nellis rushed for 73 yards, including a 53-yard touchdown, as head coach Todd Smith and the Panthers secured their sixth consecutive victory.
#6 (2A) Farrell Clinches Share of Region Title with 19-10 Comeback
Farrell scored twice in the final seven minutes to rally past Greenville, 19-10, and clinch a share of the Region-1 championship. Aaron Pegues connected with Timmy Jackson on a 17-yard touchdown pass to erase a 10-7 deficit. Dorean Cain sealed the victory with an interception-return touchdown as the Steelers improved to 6-1.
Palmerton Survives Northern Lehigh Rally, 28-20
Palmerton erased a 6-0 halftime deficit and held off Northern Lehigh, 28-20, to improve to 7-1. T.K. Gursky threw touchdown passes of 73 yards to Connor Lawless and 21 yards to Gaven Meixsell while adding a 3-yard rushing score. Carson Eckhart scored on a 24-yard run, and Jake Walkowiak’s late interception sealed the victory for head coach Chris Walkowiak and the Blue Bombers.
West Catholic Edges #10 (3A) Archbishop Wood, 28-23
Josiah Everett completed 21 of 34 passes for 326 yards and three touchdowns, then scored on a 1-yard run with 27.9 seconds remaining to lift West Catholic past Archbishop Wood, 28-23. The Burrs improved to 7-1 with their fourth consecutive victory and took sole possession of first place in the Philadelphia Catholic League Blue Division. Archbishop Wood fell to 6-2.
