Are you ready for some football?
Welcome to the official forum on high school football for the 2025 season.
During the off-season let’s talk about players, recruiting news, teams, and everything about high school football.
During the season each week let’s talk about match-ups and how teams did. Let us know what player(s) stood out each week.
1,632 Responses
@ James Watko. You need to purchase your tickets online. It’s a pretty easy process, painless. You can make payment by debit or credit card. You can have receipt emailed or printed.
Thanks
Decided to combine both into one post. I’m sure we have a few disagreements.
1A
– D5/8 Final: Westy over Meyersdale 33-14
– D6 Final: #1 Guilfoyle over #2 Juniata Valley 35-7
– D9 Final: #1 Port A over #3 Redbank Valley 44-22
– D10 Final: #1 Wilmy over #2 Greenville 34-14
WPIAL
– #1 Fort Cherry over #4 Laurel 41-18
– #2 Clairton over #3 Canevin 35-14
2A
– Steel-High (3) over Chestnut Ridge (5) 42-14
– Farrell (10) over Karns City (9) 35-16
– D4 Final: #1 SCA over #2 Troy 27-26
– D6 Final: #1 McCort over #2 Richland 35-21
WPIAL
– #1 Seton over #5 Prexies 34-23
– #3 Steel Valley over #2 Western Beaver 31-20
3A
– N-G BYE
– D3 Final: #1 Berks over #3 Trinity 28-24
– D10 Final: #1 Hickory over #2 Sharon 31-20
– Penn Cambria (6) over Brockway (9) 38-14
WPIAL
– #1 Avonworth over #5 North Catholic 42-20
– #2 Imani over #3 Central Valley 33-23
4A
– District 11 Final: #1 Solehi over #2 Becahi 34-28
– WPIAL Final: #1 McK over #7 Quip 28-21
– Shamokin (4) over Bellefonte (6) 31-7
– Oil City (10) over Punxsy (9) 29-22
District 3
– #1 Susq. Twp. over #4 Wyo 27-24
– #3 TV over #2 WY 34-14
5A
District 1
– #1 Delco over #4 Strath 31-21
– #2 Chester over #3 Rustin 28-23
District 3
– #1 NO over #4 Solanco 37-21
– #3 McDevitt over #7 Exeter Twp. 44-14
WPIAL
– #1 P-R over #5 Moon 31-16
– #2 Peters over #6 USC 28-17
6A
– D12 Final: La Salle over Imhotep 31-14
– D11 Final: #2 Parkland over #1 Easton 30-23
District 1
– #1 Pennridge over #4 Coatesville 28-20
– #2 North Penn over 11 Neshaminy 35-7
District 3
– #1 Central York over #4 Wilson 28-24
– #2 Harrisburg over #3 Manheim Twp. 35-14
Also, are any Inter-Ac or Indies (Hill/Sem/Kiski) playing this weekend? Not sure if there are playoffs going on right now or in the coming weeks for the prep schools.
@D2 Fan – I like almost all of your WPIAL picks, although I would not be surprised if USC beats Peters tonight, that’s the game I’m going to. USC was very impressive in their win last week over Woody, and these teams are evenly matched, I went to the regular season game in September in which there were 5 lead changes and Peters scored with less than 2 minutes to go in the game to win 24-20. Last year USC won the regular season game and Peters beat them in the playoffs, I think USC returns the favor tonight. USC has a big edge in special teams and the kicking game, they have a D1 kicker and every kickoff is a touchback, he is also an excellent punter, so I can see this being a field position type of game and I like USC’s chances.
I also think McKeesport beats the Quips by more than 1 score, and would be surprised if the Quips score 21 points, McKeesport has a very good defense, and the Quips offense has struggled to sustain drives all season, I think this game ends up something like 28-7, which ironically is the same score they lost by to TJ in last years final. McKeesport lost to the Quips in the WPIAL semi-finals in 2021-22, and lost in the final to them in 2023, they get their revenge tomorrow and win their first WPIAL title in 20 years.
@ David Mika
David,
Prep/Mifflinburg winner against (NW Lehigh assuming they will win)
Where would the game be next week?
George F….I would say maybe if Mifflinburg wins Hazleton or Berwick area? If Scranton Prep wins somewhere up in District 2…D11 played at Berwick twice last year.
I believe the playoffs work on a 1-2-1 4 year thing. The reason RC is on the road is because this is the 2nd of the 2 middle games. Next season D12 should host the 5A game
Partially true, but not the case for this Roman/Whitehall game. The PIAA does for the most part rotate on the 1-2-1 system, but the “2” the back-to back home games are the first home game being during the second year of the two year cycle and the second home game being the first year of the next two year cycle. It doesn’t always work this way due to the brackets being adjusted for a new year two year cycle because of updated enrollment figs and number of qualifying teams in a specific classification and district, or the PIAA just wants to mix things up (wish they do that more). The “2” or home and home does not take place during a two cycle, which we are in and is the case for this Roman/Whitehall game.
D11 did not face D12 in 2023 in 5A so not sure about the 4 year thing…Tep beat DelVal in state Qs
I’ll let you and others determine that. With the link below, scroll down to P. 73, middle of page, highlighted in red. Figure that one out. They (PIAA) want you to do on-line thing, but…….they kind of leave it open at the gate, I suppose…….
Be carefully of the game. Mixed season right now. Some games this weekend are still district games, district rules (KYD, know your district), and a few first round state games (PIAA). I plan on heading out to the North Pocono/Shanahan game, a first round PIAA state game, so going to take notice of what they are doing as far as tix. I will be getting mine on-line to play it safe (also Shanahan has limited seating). I’d recommend going the on-line route just to be safe, but if you want to roll the dice, love to hear how it goes. Good luck!!!
https://www.piaa.org/assets/web/documents/Handbook%20-%20Section%20II%20-%20Policies%20and%20Procedures.pdf
For those of you with questions playoff game site criteria and selection, this same link has some info on that if you scroll down to Page 93.
District 2 Finals (& their respective Elite 8 pairings)
1A
– Trail vs. Line Mountain is going to be a fun matchup. Trail has a solid running game that can potentially be too much for every team they face, but that Ljne Mountain team is solid. They had a close game against Monty & will have the same here. Taking Trail 28-27 in a last to score wins kind of game.
– District 1/3/12 Final: A weird subregional bracket comes to a close here, as Belmont beats York Catholic here. I think it’ll be a 28-14 game.
2A
– Lakeland doesn’t have enough firepower to beat a good Lansdale Catholic team. It’ll be the end of the road for the Chiefs here, as LC wins 38-13.
– District 11 Final: Regardless of who comes out of the game above, this game is going to be more intriguing than what’s to come. Haven is pretty solid all around & so is WV. I’ll say Haven sweeps D11 & wins 34-24.
3A
– Prep gets Mifflinburg in a battle that I think can be intriguing. I think Prep has the better team, so I predict that we’ll see the Eastern rep melee that we all want next week, as they win 31-20.
– District 11 Final: ND has the #1 seed but the better team is a #2. Am I thinking upset? No. Northwestern takes it 33-20 against the Crusaders.
4A
– It’s the end of the road for North Pocono this week. Good test against Shanahan. Just not enough to beat the private school. I’ll take Shanahan 28-19. But I could definitely see North Pocono proving me wrong. The Trojans are ranked higher, but I don’t know how good Shanahan is.
– District 12 Final: Regardless of PPL team, it’s still the PCL’s to take. I’ll go 42-10 O’Hara over Fresh Prince High.
5A
– The last time H’burg took on a Pike County school, they had their way (against the rare sight of a state-bound Wallenpaupack) at a game in Danville. In this one, I see Deja vu. Same venue. Same outcome. Closer score. H’burg over DV 31-14
– Roman vs. Whitehall: Roman’s still miles better than the D11 team, so no discussion necessary. 42-14 Roman.
6A
– Thanks for playing, Wilkes-Barre. You’d likely need something unorthodox to happen in order to win. I’ll take Matt Rhule’s alma mater over Mark Glowinski’s merged alma mater 49-6.
– WPIAL Final: I sense another PCC vs. State High showdown, as they beat North A 35-14 here.
I’ll split 1-3A & 4-6A tomorrow, again.
For this weekend’s playoff games do we need to do online or will they accept cash at the gate?
Springside Chestnut Hill upsetting Malvern Prep surprising score from the inter academic league. Chester wins impressively,Ohara breaks up Bonners run.
So last year Roman Catholic traveled to East Stroudsburg for their first round state game, this year they (RC) are on the top portion of the bracket, yet they are travelling to Whitehall on Friday for their first round state game??
With LaSalle, Roman, O’Hara and Lansdale Catholic all playing their probably wasn’t enough time to get in 4 games at the supersites. Roman will probably have an early bus ride home anyway against Whitehall which will probably be a mercy rule game.
I get the poss scheduling issue and the early bus ride home and at this point it’s a moot point…but maybe a neutral District 1 site could of been used? I’m sure RC doesn’t care where they play but the hope in ’26 if the same setup… 11 will go to 12
Great minds think alike? lol That was my question also….what gives you think?
Could be a whole bunch of stuff or just one thing. RC’s “home” field this year was Widener U. in Chester. Maybe the stadium wasn’t available, or since this is a PIAA state game the asking price was too high. Doubt b/c it didn’t meet PIAA parameters, since it is a college facility, but who knows. Then like Foleman said, it was getting crowded at the Philly so-called Supersites, which is where most of the games involving District 12 teams when they are “hosting” are contested at. I think the PIAA nixed playing games at the South Philly SS. Not sure how far that argument goes tho as Friday night at both NE and G-Town there were no games scheduled. But maybe something else was booked. Then I was thinking why not O’Hara, Norristown, Upper Dub (RC’s home 2 years ago??), Wiss, etc. Guess they don’t want to bother, asking price too high, or again, who knows. Finally I think RC HC Prete just said, just name a place and time and we’ll be there, enough already!!!! Probably a few incentives were tossed Roman’s way as well. All so Roman can mercy rule Whitehall on their home turf.
And as your alter ego…I’ll easily say well said! LOL
Mike D is not my alter ego 🙂
Just curious how sites are determined again….last year Roman traveled to D11 ES South …and this year, again, they now have to go to D11 Whitehall? I thought it was supposed to alternate?
Do I need to say good question?? 🙂
It is a good question but do you think we’ll get an answer?? lol
Possible. If I hear or see something, I’ll post it. Funny, I bet if a similar situation happened out west in the WPIAL or D10, we’d know about it. Their local sport reporters would be all over it.
For the final time with all 6 classes guaranteed (on the winning end), this is my D2 Notes
– 1A: As expected, Isaac Ryon & Co. took care of business against Tri-Valley. It wasn’t close, but T-V was in the game for a bit in the first half. They get Line Mountain at Kemp next week in a game I predict to be a thriller!
– 2A: Lakeland won the district title in ‘22 & hadn’t done much in a cycle. Three years later, they return to the promised land & win another title against a good Dunmore team. They get Lansdale Catholic in Philly, who they’ll be a big underdog to.
– 3A: I’m surprised & not surprised by this outcome. Prep absolutely demolished Berwick. I thought it’d be a much closer game, but Berwick’s WVC 2 schedule just didn’t give them the tests needed. As for the Jesuit Giants (as one on NPF calls them), it’s a date with Mifflinburg, in Milton. I think they take this one.
– 4A: North Pocono looked solid against Dallas in all facets & reclaim D2 district glory for the first time since 6-class football was conceived. They get Shanahan in their territory, which I’m not sure how they’d fare against. Odds are against them, though.
– 5A: DV surprised me by winning a close game against Abington Heights & is Danville bound. I thought that the Comets would double dip, but not the case this time. This game against Hollidaysburg is going to be a tough one for me to pick. I give DV a chance here.
– 6A: Wilkes-Barre just played their penultimate game, avenging a loss against Billtown from Week 10. I think the end of the road is nigh for the Pack. And credit to Jake Howe for being the all-time passing leader in the WVC. Cool milestone for him. State High, Milton, Saturday Afternoon
Who will be the big underdog in the 2A Lakeland/LC game??
Lakeland. I don’t see them beating Lansdale Catholic & even if they did, the road isn’t going to be any easier.
Thought that is where you were going after re-reading. I don’t know. Can’t get a read on this one. Does make it interesting. I may try to get myself down to NW Philly Saturday afternoon for this game. Never been there. I was hoping the game would be in my backyard, but no such luck.
Heading to the North Pocono/Shanahan game out in Downingtown Friday night as well. Another one I can’t get a read on or any kind of prediction, so I will be surprised by both games.
I’m sure they meant NW Lehigh winning another state title, not Northern Lehigh, who Haven played.
No they didn’t mean that, glad you can chime in and be wrong
Nope. We were discussing next year being a district contender if they are A and even be in the mix if they are AA. They furnished with the same record as North Schuylkill by the way.
Hey Matt, you DON’T want to compare NL’s record with that of North Schuylkill’s! NS’s 4 losses this year were to NW Lehigh (2), Southern Lehigh (1), and to NDGP on a failed 2-point conversion at the end of the game! And, with that, MHO, I’m predicting NW Lehigh beating NDGP by at least 2 to 3 TD’s!
I was able to see 3 NWL games this season and they have improved each time I watched. I think they are as good of team as last years team. They have more players on offense that keep defense in check. It’s seems that they are peaking at the right time. NS is a very good and mature football team, I do believe that the answers to NWL in that 2nd game fall on there coaches. That miller kid is a hard runner.
@BrianS it was a brutal schedule for NS in that sense. I think they are a fringe top 10 team in the state for 3A, just in or out.
My initial opinion is NW over ND 35-21. I think there is truly something to be said about being balanced this time of the year with weather.
@ D11..Gotcha, thanks
If cardinal Brennan was still open they would have beaten the same teams northern lehigh did.
Schuylkill haven ran 23 plays and scored 60 points on northern lehigh last night , please hold off on giving northern lehigh a district and state title run next year when they gave up touchdowns on about 40 % of Schuylkill havens plays. Starting for 3 and 4 years doesn’t guarantee success.
JC….nobody gave Northern Lehigh the state title this year? Or next? We were discussing how they lost their best player and all league player and played well enough to win three straight including a playoff game. We also discussed how they return 19 of 22 from an 8-4 team next year that could compete for a district title if they are in A. Relax. I would worry about North Schuylkill finishing with a district loss again. You seem to fire your mouth an awful lot for a supporter of a team that hasn’t won a district title on how many years. In fact, I think northern Lehigh has won a district title more recently (2022).
31-0
Yeah I think ns beat them that year and the next year.
They return 19 players who gave up 60 points on 23 plays
They lost to a defending state champion, the good lehigh
@JC that was way worse than expected, was thinking 28 or so, not 53. I know a couple people from NL and while coaching has been suspect, that was a full failure from the players too.
How much does Haven have coming back next year? Really think if they get past Troy or SC, they have a good shot at a state title. I know WV is next but Haven should win that. Karns City or Bishop McCort coule be tough in a state final but from what I’ve heard, combo of size and speed that Haven has at the 2A level isn’t matched.
@D11 Fan – don’t forget about Farrell they are very good and a definite contender I think either them or McCort will be the west rep in the final.
@Jeff yup, thats my bad on leaving them out. Their game against KC should be a great one, is it a toss up in your mind at all?
Richland gets McCort again, not saying they win but seeing a team a second time, im sure they will make it tough.
@D11 Fan – I think Farrell wins that game fairly comfortably by 3 scores way too much team speed for Karns to handle. I expect the Richland vs McCort game will be closer than the first one but I still like McCort to win to set up a big time matchup with Farrell next week.
Haven can very well lose to williams valley next week. There top running back at haven was hurt early in the year and is out for the year. There defense isn’t nearly as good as there offense which will hurt them in the end. There coach has always run up the scores on teams and padded his running backs stats and it’s always caught up with him on the karma train and it will again. There running back was still in the game in the 3rd with a 45-7 lead. They had a running back Barket about 10 years ago who had about 1,200 yds rushing in one year after the mercy rule was in effect.
@Jc I thought Havens RB that was hurt earlier in the year came back and is playing? Or did he get hurt again?
Yea, thats wild, you aren’t the first person to mention running up the score for them.
It should be a great game, I haven’t read or seen as much on WV but my gut says Haven by a score-ish since they go for 2.
@Jc, yes Niko, and I just spoke to my buddy who was the game this past Saturday night, word is he won’t play this week but if Haven wins, should return the following week.
Niko Castillo? Im pretty sure he broke his leg and has been out since the mahanoy area game.
@ Demming
Nobody cares what an old dude sitting in his basement critiquing programs says. You are the real problem, you have no backbone coming on these sites putting programs and kids down. Go back to mommys basement and tuck yourself in, everyone else here will enjoy playoff football. GOOOO lasalle!
@ Georgie
Good evening
For starters, I’m not old and I don’t sit in my basement. Don’t need to as much as it’s beautiful. I have a beautiful home to leisure in.
I think I make a profitable living working at a reputable attorneys office I enjoy football as much as the next guy or gal however I don’t enjoy the racket that’s going on and that has been going on for years and by you saying go LaSalle yes I understand you are all about the bully on the block system and that’s fine. You have a right and entitlement to your own opinion and so do I and so does all the other individuals who agree with me.
For starters, the tuition at Scranton Prep starts at $20,000 a year
The kicker is if the student athlete already attends this institution, the parents and or guardians must pay the $20,000 per year if their intentions were to go there specifically for academic purposes, and then football was a secondary repurpose and or other sports
However, when the Prep coaches reach out and take players and recruit them from other schools, which obviously they do, that’s not even in the discussion anymore of course they do. It’s proven many times over.
That student athlete goes for free. Tuition is already taken care of, and that’s a proven fact as well. Nobody’s going to rebuttal this factual statement however that being said, I realize it happens all over the state, but the question is why ?
Why can’t the P.I.A.A make two separate brackets two separate playoff systems that will be individualized for the public realm and the private sector. I just don’t understand it. It’s not rocket science. The only explanation that I could render right now that I think is justifiable is the old-fashioned dollar.
That’s the only logical explanation is that pockets are being filled because if that’s not the case then do it. I believe this goes back to the courts from 1971. I stand corrected if I’m wrong, but it goes back to the ruling on the situation.
It just has to be changed and if there are people out there, including myself that want this changed there’s many state representatives congressional people as well. That are willing to take a step forward. It’s been before the court system many times over let’s just get it done. let’s clear the air start fresh hit the restart button and just do it. What is the problem? I just don’t understand it , are the private schools afraid that they’re not gonna be able to be the bullies and that they’re actually going to be given a challenge because they’re playing schools such as themselves that can get whatever athlete they want throughout the state of Pennsylvania and then some going into New Jersey and onward, such as Saint Joseph’s Prep did for many many years
Which should have crime tape around it completely when they win the hardware for state championship when you have student athletes that are from New Jersey winning the Pennsylvania State football championship that my friend should not be allowed that should be outlawed just disgusting and whoever agrees with it, you’re just a part of the racket. How do you get any enjoyment out of that that’s like watching a dog fight from back in the old Michael Vic days come on get with the program
Hit the restart button
For all your logical thinking people, let’s get a petition going and petition the courts. Nothing’s undoable if you have enough people to do it.
And this problem does not just plague football but obviously basketball for all of the six categories how many out of those categories do private and or catholic and or charter schools win the basketball state championship you all know the answer so I’m not even getting into that it’s disgusting there needs to be a separation and it has to start now there’s no time like the present
Hey sport, you dont have a clue about the catholic schools and how they operate you are just a loud mouth, period. Over many years of following high school sports I have come across many people like you. Its easy to see what you are about and you dont even try to hide it and it goes way beyond sports. The people who send their kids to catholic schools still pay taxes that go to support those poor public schools that just cant catch a break They can seperate the schools thats fine who cares ,do you think thats going to stop parents from sending their kids where they want to send them? Lets take a look at basketball since you brought that up and lets just say they seperate the schools and for the sake of argument all the charter schools go away. That would mean many of the top players in Philly would probably go back to the traditional old Philly public league schools like Overbrook ,West Philly,etc so guess what the Philly teams are still going to dominate the state tournament because Philly turns out great basketball talent and always has. Are you going to ban the Philadelphia public league from the state tournament so one of your poor public schools from District 2 can finally win something. If you are going to eliminate a big chunk of the state from competing, any state titles won arent worth a damn. You dont have a clue about tuition or anything else in regard to the catholic schools, again you are just a loudmouth with an agenda that goes wayyy beyond sports. Most people on here just want to talk high school football regardless of what side they fall on, some would like to see seperation of the schools some would not but they dont bring it up all the time because its a tired subject at this point ,what happens happens
@ Irish spring-1
First of all, just for starters no need to be a loudmouth when I could quietly say what’s factual. I’m directly connected to that institution they call Scranton Prep.
That’s why I feel comfortable in the statements that I make because they are not fabricated. They are truth and honest.
Everything I said about tuition is factual the $20,000 a year. Yes has to be paid each year however if the student was yanked from a school specifically to play a sport, they are exempt no need to have a further discussion on that point because it is mute.
I didn’t say anything about paying taxes don’t be clueless of course everybody has to pay taxes.
I was specifically mentioning the tuition for the Scranton, preparatory imports institution.
I could only assume that you’re a fan of a team that continually compete as a bully because if not, I can’t understand how you could even enjoy the playoff bracket
I mean at that point just follow college and NFL.
However, I’m not going to entertain any more time speaking with you or any other nonsensical speaking individual who like at the gym the lunks going around. I pick up I put down.
As I quietly do my respective reps and walk away quietly, knowing that I can hammer their weight out of the water as they walk around all proud.
In the good book, it says pride before a fall. Just remember that just remember that.
It’s sad it truly is that a lot of of these student athletes who go to these private schools are pushed along just for the purpose of some hardware, not all of them, but lots of them and the sad truth is when they get to division one schools they can’t even get through the first few months let alone graduate from university they chose
Have fun with your corrupt brackets
AKA Mike Vic dog fights
You are just a ignorant, and getting dumber with each post..Weird guy..
@ A. Demming – it sure was a nice season on this board until you started to chime in with your anti-catholic bias please stop with the nonsense. I’ve got news for you I am a public school guy but like the current system as is and do not favor separate playoffs. Scranton Prep has never even made the state final so they must not do a very good job with recruiting! When a public school beats a private in the playoffs that just adds to their achievement. i know a lot of people connected to the mt Lebanon program and when they beat SJP in 2021 that made their state title even more special.
@Kevin X
How could you seriously say that about Berwick that they are a pretender not a contender ??
I tip my hat to Coach curry. I think he has turned that program around in such a dramatic way and so fast.
With homegrown talent !!!!
Trust me as former head coach rest in peace George Curry’s grandson he knows not to make the mistakes as the great legend had done.
That would be pathetic if he did that
So that’s why I say they are definitely a contender team and when you say they had a weak schedule or whoever said they have a weak schedule no they didn’t. They had some solid teams on there just because those other teams had some down years. They’re all homegrown too. Selinsgrove had great seasons up until a few years other teams as well.
That’s what public school life is all about. You can’t just have whoever you want on your team every single year you have to rebuild that’s life.
Lackawanna Trail as much as they are a class A
School they pack a punch trust me. They’re a fantastic program so to say that they had a week schedule that’s ridiculous.
For all you Berwick people great job this year. I wish you guys the best. I hope you guys get back to the state title and win it one day again.
Berwick had a very soft schedule this year period end of story and Scranton Prep exposed them last week like many people on here predicted.
Maybe you didn’t read my full post from yesterday. Here is the part that you evidently missed or maybe just don’t understand:
“Mercy ruled at halftime?? Good grief!!”
They had a great year. I have no ill will against Berwick. Glad they’re back. Always good to see new or new old faces playing this time of year. But the long and short of it is that they played a Little Sister’s of the Poor schedule and it reared its ugly head Friday night. You see it all the time. Didn’t they play Southern Columbia a few years ago?? Pick up some real competition, beat them, and then get back to me.
Berwick’s non conference schedule wasn’t the problem. They played five non-conference games – Hazleton (6A), Williamsport (6A), Selinsgrove (4A), Mid Valley (3A), Lack Trail (1A). That’s not a soft schedule for a 3A team. I’ll admit, it’s not what Berwick used to play (McDevitt, St. Ignatius, Glen Mills, HD Woodson), and it’s no where near what Scranton Prep played this year, but I don’t think it’s “soft” for a program trying to revive itself.
The problem was the the WVC division 2 is hideous. That’s where, beside Wyoming Area, Berwick didn’t get challenged. Hanover, Lehman, Tunkhannock, and Nanticoke are all down. As is above mentioned Selinsgrove.
One solution is for Berwick to leave the WVC and go the Division 1 or Division 2 of the Heartland conference. They will definitely get more a challenging conference schedule there. I know this that was discussed a few years ago.
@Foleman
Yes, I do remember that back in the day
When they acquired players from all over the place as I recall, there was one player. His name was Gus Felder, a big lineman who eventually went and played for Penn State. And did well.
Unfortunately, in his interview, when they asked him what brought him to Berwick from the big city life in his own words, he said a fishing expedition
Listen, I agree. It’s been done, but the culture has changed in Berwick drastically. You can see that that’s why they haven’t been back to the state championship in a very long time.
But to my point was that fair that they did that? No all those years winning all those state championships using players from all over the place no it wasn’t right.
Any school who does that or a bunch of clowns
It just makes the whole system a big racket
And I truly feel bad for those schools who only use the athletes from there boundary area it’s a shame it really is a shame. It’s a dog eat dog world that’s for sure in the P.I.A.A system where nobody looks into things because everybody’s afraid of everybody because of their high statue of position in local government and judges it’s just ridiculous just a bunch of garbage.
I was so happy to see Saint Joseph’s prep lose so many times this year. It was quite surprising, but it was awesome. I loved it.
But as far as Scranton prep, do they go and win state championship no, never will they ever
Who knows.
But I will NEVER EVER !!! support a private or a Catholic school playing against teams that truly honestly use the kids that go to their own schools
I will never support that that’s just the bully on the block system. It’s a bunch of trash, just pure trash and anybody that stands up for it. You’re a part of the system. You must be a fan of those private schools obviously, you’re a bunch of dogs, just like them.
Why can’t all these schools be like Wyoming seminary out of Kingston, Pennsylvania? You know who they play they play teams from Connecticut and Maryland and New Jersey look it up they do that’s the right way to do it. Look at the Philadelphia catholic league schools. They do it right
To my point, why can’t Scranton prep do the same thing that Wyoming seminary does they’re only about 20 miles separating each other school.
My challenge to Scranton prep is man up. You don’t have what it takes to do that because if you did your record might look like this. 0-10.
Nobody can say it’s a financial burden that’s for sure mostly everybody there are loaded. Prove me wrong I challenge you to do a Wyoming seminary does you won’t because you’re afraid of losing you’d rather be the bully on the block just trash.
I’d like to end this with this
To the :Scranton Prep Imports
“ go win a private school championship then you will have impressed me otherwise just trash”
You have some issues , talk alot of nonsense with a definite anti Catholic vibe ,it was nice not to have to read your bs for most of the yr. Totally clueless as usual.
I feel like something is on my mind about the private vs. public bracket separation. Yes, there should be a separation of brackets. No, it’s not going to solve the crisis of “fair balance”. All it means is that aspiring football talent will find the next coach who has an impressive record to go find (ala Jim Roth). It’s basically having schools like Southern Columbia be the ones in power instead of ones like St. Joe’s Prep. Affordability for college is pretty much impossible without an athletic scholarship, should you not come from a rich family.
Berwick is officially a Pretender. Mercy ruled at halftime?? Good grief!!
To be fair, I guess I flipped on Berwick as I did call them a contender back in late September during some mid season acknowledgments and shout outs:
“Berwick (3A). Didn’t know if they were contenders or pretenders. After this past weekend, I’ll put them in the contenders category. I still think Scranton Prep will win D2 3A, but welcome back Dawgs.”
I believe I posted the above after their victory against Wyoming Area. The Scranton Prep pick may be the only call I got right so far this year 🙂
At this time I would like to congratulate
All the athletes from
Lakeland – ( Mcpartland brothers )
Carbondale – ( Prince )
Abington Heights –
Valley View –
Scranton –
West Scranton –
Wilkes Barre area –
Dunmore –
Lackawanna Trail –
Riverside … the list goes on
For traveling down to Crispin Field and annihilating the Home grown Berwick Bull Dawgs
You know the old saying goes sometimes it takes a village .
I always thought it would be quite nice out of the entire year to set aside one game
For Scranton Prep to have all their players respectively wear the helmets to where they would be playing if they had not gone to their school .
Wait a minute there’s a similar game they do that
Oh yeah that’s the Lackawanna County
Dream Game .
Oh well, who says they can’t do it? It’s the same concept.
The dream game brings all the players from all over and put them on one team.
Nothing different here except they actually learned together in school .
P.S
NORTHWESTERN LeHIGH IS ON THE PROWL
😉 😉 😉
So if you guys get through your next test
This should be one fun game to watch
GO TIGERS !!!!!
A.Demming, I guess you think George Curry’s Berwick teams were all “Home Grown” too! For example, playing 21 year olds from Philly, selling the infamous move ins to players parents who live outside the District with a job waiting for them at the power plant. Redshirting players by holding them back in elementary school. Would you feel better if Berwick won only to get blown out by a Public School next week? Berwick played a weak regular season schedule and it showed. I have seen Scranton Prep play twice over the years, both against Wyomissing who blew them out both times. Maybe football in your region isn’t what it used to be.
Besides Felder, who was not 21 years old when he played for Berwick, can you name any of the players who were not “Home Grown” on any of Berwick’s championship teams? Or, better yet, can you name any player who Berwick “recruited” and said no, then came out when went public?
Sounds like your vineyard produced a bumper crop of grapes this year.
Berwick Passing: Cleaver 2-7-2, (-3) yds.
Enough said.
Back in 2022 the Lakeland Chiefs capped off another solid season by winning the P.I.A.A District 2 AA Football championship against none other than Dunmore that game was a lot different than the season game with them the season game Lakeland won 55-14
However, in the championship game, our Allstate quarterback was injured then eventually knocked out of play the Lakeland won that game 20-14
I guess that’s what happens when you have players that are homegrown and you can’t dip into the bag of other resources
Another piece of hardware to add to their collection
Lakeland leads the North East high school football region for the most championships overall throughout the years
Joby Fawcett did a wonderful article on that in the Scranton Time in the beginning of the season, nice job Joby
What a special championship this is to win not only against arch rival, and nemesis the Dunmore
This time around it was even more special than beating Dunmore it was how they got there over the course of two years they’re rebuilding process.
Back in 2022 Lakeland went 12-1 only losing in the first round of the state playoffs to a private school having lost our starting quarterback for that game it really hurt them and who knows who would’ve won had had our star QB
But the true test was the two years to follow
Because after that 2022 season
They lost 14 seniors where most of them were starters, including our quarterback, and our entire line offense and defense
It’s like the Phoenix rising from the ashes
Great job guys so proud of you.
I think your cuckoo for coco puffs
The old adage it’s tough to beat a team twice in the same season proved true tonight as Shanahan handles PJP 42-21. Pjp shut down Shanahans run game the first time they played,tonight was a different story, the Shanahan QB had a great game rushing for over 270 yds. Pjp didn’t do themselves any favors with 4 first half turnovers. Shanahan gets some revenge after losing to PJP the last several yrs,they should be a factor in states for at least the first round.,after that it gets a lot tougher..PJP gets to the 10 win mark nice job considering all the talent that graduated. Future looks bright with many underclassmen getting a ton of experience..
Irish1, Shanahan’s QB/Safety Aquilla is one of the top players I have seen this year and I have seen a bunch, he just took over that game. PJP’S talented Soph QB played like a Soph for the 1st time this year. 4 turnovers in the 1st half killed any momentum PJP had. Will probably head to Twin Valley next week for their D3 playoff game. In my opinion they are still the top 4A team I have seen this year, and I have seen Shanahan, PJP, Wyomissing and Bonner Prendie.
Foleman, agree on the Shanahan QB, PJP did a nice job with containing him the first time but Shanahan was just on a mission Friday night ,a senior dominated team with revenge motivation is tough to beat a second time.in the same yr..But frustrating as a PJP fan to see Bonner finally drop off a bit after two really good PJP teams had to play Bonner at their best. Shanahan if they get past N Pocono next week gets a good OHara team but not sure they are as talented as the last few Bonner teams. But looks like the other part of the bracket is tougher this yr.
@Foleman – based on your comments sounds like the potential west final of McKeesport vs Twin Valley is the de facto state championship it’s going to take a great team to beat McKeesport they are rolling in my opinion they are the clear favorite to win 4A.
You seem very knowledgeable especially on 4A, but how do you see the Mckeesport-Aliquippa 4A final playing out? Lots of Aliquippa fans i talked to seem like they will win this game big & Spell is not a problem
District 2 Finals (& their respective Sweet 16 pairings)
1A
– 1A Subregional: I’m going to take Trail over Tri-Valley 33-13. Trail is head & shoulders above the rest of the 1A teams & this will be no different. I think it’ll be close to the kind of games T-V plays against the 2A trio
– District 4 Final: While Montgomery has looked solid, Line Mountain looks like a state title sleeper. I’ll take the Eagles 30-7.
2A
– Dunmore’s always finding ways to make this final & has the experience within the program to take the step to be state playoff ready, but Lakeland’s been better this year. Give me the Chiefs in a 31-21 victory & sweep the season series against Dunmore.
– District 1/12 Subregional: Lansdale Catholic should roll over Bristol 49-0.
3A
– I’m changing the prediction. Scranton Prep did enough to make me flip my prediction. This is going to be a close game for a bit, but I’ll go with Prep to win 28-13.
– District 4 Final: I’ll take Mifflinburg over Montoursville 34-19. This could be a fun battle, as they’ve been the two best in D4 3A all year.
4A
– North Pocono is the best team in D2 4A & I think it’ll stay that way. I’ll take the Trojans in a 27-13 win over VV to clinch their first district title since ‘16 in this rematch.
– District 1 Final: PJP vs. Shanahan is cinema. This might be a sneaky boxing match kind of game. I’ll take PJP 22-16.
5A
– Abington Heights vs. DV Part 2 again. Nick Bradley is back & the team looks strong. This is their chance to repeat in 5A. I’ll take the Comets 26-21 in a close battle.
– D6/9 Subregional: Hollidaysburg will take down DuBois, like they did not long ago, winning 38-10.
6A
– Another rematch, but of Week 10. This is going to be a fun game, like it was last time. I’ll take Wilkes-Barre in the revenge game as they win 28-20.
– D6/10 Final: State College in this section of the bracket has no competition. McDowell just isn’t good this year. I’ll go 42-7 State High & they’ll gain momentum to defeat the 6A champs in D2/4.
I’ll split 1-3A & 4-6A tomorrow, as I know there are Thursday Night games again.
4A
– PCL Final: #1 Bonner over #2 O’Hara 35-10
– D4 Final: #1 Shamokin over #2 Shore 35-21
– D6 Final: #1 Juniata over #2 Bellefonte 48-6
– D9 Final: #1 Punxsy over #2 Clearfield 34-23
– Oil City BYE
District 11
– #1 Solehi over #4 Blue Mtn. 35-14
– #2 Becahi over #3 ACC 24-13
District 3
– #1 Susquehanna Twp. over #9 ELCO 34-8
– #4 Wyo over#5 L-S 23-19
– #2 West York over #10 Middletown 23-16
– #3 Twin Valley over #6 West Perry 44-6
WPIAL
– #1 McK over #4 TJ 38-13
– #3 New Castle over #7 Quip 24-20
5A
District 11: #1 Whitehall over #2 PME 49-0
District 12: Roman over Olney 48-0
District 1
– #1 Delco over #8 Penncrest 36-14
– #4 Strath over #12 Unionville 31-10
– #2 Chester over #7 Garnet Valley 27-21
– #3 Rustin over #6 Kennett 43-16
District 3
– #1 NO over #8 Spring Grove 34-14
– #4 Solanco over #5 Warwick 34-12
– #2 Conestoga Valley over #7 Exeter 31-21
– #3 McDevitt over #6 Mechanicsburg 49-10
WPIAL
– #1 P-R over #8 Shaler 49-6
– #4 P-T over #5 Moon 31-15
– #2 Peters over #7 Bethel Park 44-24
– #3 Woody over #6 USC 35-16
6A (PCL Champ La Salle on BYE)
District 1
– #1 Pennridge over #8 D’Town East 27-16
– #4 Coatesville over #5 CR South 41-16
– #14 OJR over #11 Neshaminy 34-21
– #2 North Penn over #7 Souderton 34-16
District 11
– #1 Easton over #4 Liberty 30-12
– #2 Parkland over #3 Naz 29-13
District 3
– #1 Central York over #9 Cedar Cliff 31-13
– #4 Wilson over #5 William Penn 43-13
– #2 Harrisburg over #10 CD 33-7
– #3 Manheim Twp. over #6 Hempfield 44-14
WPIAL
– #1 PCC over #4 Canon-Mac 45-7
– #2 North A over #3 Norwin 38-12
Others
– PIT: Mastery North over Boys Latin 22-19
– PPL: Imhotep over Lincoln 56-0
– Episcopal over Haverford 29-13
– Malvern Prep over SCHA 33-7
– Lawrenceville over Hill 20-16
D2 Fan, the one pick i would disagree with would be OJR -Neshaminy, I dont see OJR going down there and winning, Neshaminy has tailed off some over the yr, but dont see them losing at home to OJR, but then again maybe its a fairly even matchup who knows, I saw OJR three times this yr wasnt that impressed. Question for you if you had to compare last yrs Valley View team and this yrs North Pocono team who would you rate as the better team? Other then looking at scores its tough to get a read on teams from other parts of the state without seeing them other then playoff time. Enjoy the games.
Good question, Irish. I’d probably lean this year’s North Pocono team. It could be recency bias, but I also think the way they were in every game last year against the top LFC 1 teams & played them tough shows how they’ve gotten better this year.
I’ll agree with Irish on his Nesh/OJR pick. I’ll also go out on a limb and take two “upsets” in D1 5A, Unionville over Strath Haven and Garnet over Chester (I believe Chester will be w/o one of the Harris bros’ due to a suspension from last week’s game). Also think the Rustin/Kennett and CRS/C’Ville games will be closer. I’m also really struggling with maybe actually taking CRS over C’Ville. Toss up for me.
I’ve heard enough from you two to convince enough I’ll keep the score & change to OJR. I had Neshaminy since I trust the SOL teams in the playoffs over the Pioneer which is not as strong.
Didn’t even take the suspension into account. I’ll stick with it. Chester maybe didn’t impress in the first round, but I still think they have a good team that can compete for a district title. Should be a fun one, hopefully.
I agree with you and like Garnet to beat Chester tonight, was not impressed with their lackluster win last week over Marple.
Small school predictions
1A
– D1/12 Final: Belmont Charter over Morrisville 36-6
– D3 Final: #1 YC over #2 Delone 21-16
– D5 Final: #1 M’dale over #2 Conemaugh Twp. 45-16
– Westinghouse BYE
D6
– #1 Guilfoyle over #4 Homer-Center 39-14
– #2 Juniata Valley over #3 C-K 31-19
WPIAL
– #2 Fort Cherry over #9 Neshannock 38-14
– #4 Laurel over #12 C-H 34-14
– #2 Clairton over #10 Jeannette 55-20
– #3 Canevin over #11 Frazier 41-14
D9
– #1 Port A over #5 Keystone 45-16
– #2 Union/A-CV over #3 RV 33-13
D10
– #1 Wilmy over #4 Camb. Springs 41-14
– #2 Greenville over #3 Reynolds 26-14
2A
– D3 Final: #1 Steel-High over #2 Halifax 34-10
– D5 Final: #2 Berlin over #4 Chestnut Ridge 29-14
– D9 Final: #1 Gremlins over #2 CC 35-28
– D10 Final: #1 Farrell over #2 Mercyhurst 24-10
District 11
– #2 Williams Valley over #3 Minersville 34-16
– #1 Schuylkill Haven over #4 NL 45-14
District 4
– #1 SCA over #4 Bloom 42-10
– #2 Troy over #3 WR 34-14
District 6
– #1 McCort over #5 Marion Center 41-12
– #2 Richland over #6 B-A 31-13
WPIAL
– #1 Seton over #8 Mohawk 44-7
– #4 South A over #5 Washington 31-17
– #2 Western Beaver over #7 Apollo 34-8
– #3 Steel Valley over #6 Lincoln 39-14
3A
– D12 Final: N-G over Bartram 42-7
– D6 Final: #1 Penn Cambria over #2 Huntingdon 32-14
– Brockway BYE
District 3
– #1 Berks Catholic over #4 Bermudian 42-14
– #3 Trinity over #2 Annville-Cleona 26-19
District 11
– #1 NDGP over #5 Tamaqua 38-7
– #2 NW Lehigh over #3 North Schuylkill 35-14
WPIAL
– #1 Avonworth over #8 Freeport 40-7
– #4 Eliz. Forward over #5 North Catholic 27-14
– #3 Central Valley over Highlands 28-8
– #2 Imani over #7 Hopewell 35-6
District 10
– #1 Hickory over #4 Ft. LeBeouf 39-10
– #2 Sharon over #6 North East 34-16
D2 Fan – I think some of the WPIAL games are going to be a lot closer than you predict. Hope you’re right on the Woody score, that’s the game I’m going to tonight, those are 2 pretty evenly matched teams and I would be very surprised if it’s not a 1 score game in the fourth quarter and would not be surprised if USC wins, I also picked Moon to beat PT, that game is a tossup.
In 3A I think Highlands has a good chance to upset CV, and if they lose it will be a lot closer, also think Hopewell will give Imani more of a game than you predict, and the EF vs. NC game will be a lot higher scoring, both average 45 ppg and have 2 of the top QBs in the WPIAL, they played last year in the playoffs and EF won 45-42, expect a similar type of game tonight, team that has the ball last might win.
In 2A I think Apollo Ridge has a good chance to upset Western Beaver, interesting contrast in styles, Ridge is a ground and pound team with a big, strong O-line that can shorten the game, and a pretty stout defense, while Western has a big play offense and 2 RBs with over 1,000 yards, this should be a very good game and much closer than you predicted.
I would also be very surprised if McKeesport blows out TJ, they are healthier than they have been all year and peaking at the right time, they impressed me last week and looked a lot better than the early season game I saw against McKeesport, this game will be an absolute battle, I think Spell and company make a few more big plays than TJ and they win 31-21, it’s unfortunate this game is not the WPIAL final because these are the 2 best 4A teams in the WPIAL this year.
Jeff,
The 5A bracket sans the P-R/Shaler game is really good. I probably should’ve lowered the margins of victories for a lot of games out west.
Oh, I forgot about the high scoring game last year with EF/NC. I’ll go 38-35 in that one.
I trust CV more due to the history in the playoffs. I usually lean towards tradition if I don’t know.
As for Apollo-Ridge, that is definitely an upset potential game. You’ll probably be right with that one.
I’ll shift the score predictions for the last two games you discussed
– Western Beaver 26, Apollo 21
– McK 30, TJ 23
Dallas in 4A.
You’re right. Dallas. That’s on me. Regardless, I’m still taking North Pocono by the same score.
Dallas/VV, VV/Dallas, kind of interchangeable 🙂
Either way, believe your are right with NoPoc winning against either and me looking forward to them coming south next weekend.
Where would Prep/Berwick winner play next week? Would this be at D4 winner or at D2 winner?
Should be at the D4 winner.
Neutral site
WPIAL 2nd round playoff outlook:
6A – PCC will roll over Canon Mac like they did 2 weeks ago, NA vs. Norwin is a tossup, I think NA probably rebounds from their 2 game losing streak but would not be surprised if Norwin wins
5A – PR vs. Shaler will be a mercy rule game, and Peters will beat up on Bethel Park again like they did 2 weeks ago. USC vs. Woody should be very competitive and could go either way, my heart says Woody but I have a hunch USC wins, and Moon vs. Penn Trafford are 2 very evenly matched teams, I like Moon to win on the road and set up a showdown with #1 PR next week.
4A – saw TJ last week against a solid Mars team and they looked very good, had more passing yardage than any game this season and a more balanced offense, their defense also created 4 turnovers including a 98 yard pick 6 in the second half when Mars was trying to get back in the game. They are healthier now than they have been all year and peaking at the right time, they will give McKeesport all they can handle, but I still like the Port to win, I don’t think TJ’s defense will be able to contain Kemon Spell for the whole game. The other game has New Castle against Aliquippa, their QB Marques Council Jr. who is going to Yale was thought to be out for the season several weeks ago due to a leg injury, but he pulled a Willis Reed (you old guys will remember that reference!) and shockingly played in the 2nd half of their comeback win over Trinity last week. New Castle held off Montour last week 14-13, Montour scored with about 30 seconds to go in the game and went for 2 and the win instead of playing for OT, this game is a tossup now that Council is apparently back for the Quips and I like their chances to beat New Castle and avenge their regular season loss.
3A – Avonworth will probably mercy rule Freeport. The other 3 games should be pretty competitive, I think Hopewell will keep it close in the first half, but Imani pulls away in the second and wins by a couple of scores, North Catholic vs. Elizabeth Forward should be a shootout, both teams have very good passing games and prolific offenses, I’ll take EF something like 49-42, and I like Highlands chances to upset Central Valley in the other quarterfinal.
2A – Mohawk may keep it interesting for a while against Seton LaSalle, but Seton will win by at least a couple of scores, South Allegheny and Wash High should be a very good game, I’ll take SA in a close one, wouldn’t be surprised if Apollo Ridge upsets Western Beaver, and Steel Valley is peaking at the right time and I like them to beat Ellwood City
1A – both Ft Cherry and Clairton will win easily, Laurel will beat #12 seed Chartiers-Houston, and Bishop Canevin will handle #11 Frazier, so the top 4 seeds advance.
Former Spring-Ford QB and current Missouri Freshman Matt Zollers will get his first career start Saturday against #3 Texas A&M. National broadcast game at 3:30p on ABC (hope you have a good antenna if you currently subscribe the You Tube TV). Good luck Matt!!!
Interesting that current La Salle senior QB Gavin Sidwar is committed to Mizzou.
And of course Mizzou also has former Central York QB Beau Pribula, what’s with the eastern PA connection to Missouri!
What is that saying…….Go west, young man…….I suppose it could be tweaked to Go Southeast Conference, young PA football player…..
Whats silly about all this these days is Mizzou being in the southeast conf in the first place,just like its ridiculous for West Virgina to be in the Big 12 and of course the west coast teams being in the Big 10 and on an on
My favs are Stanford and Cal in the ACC.