Are you ready for some football?
Welcome to the official forum on high school football for the 2026 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.
2,177 Responses
I just wanted to say thank you young man to Jeff H. I really liked and respected your last post to me and think we really could be friends despite all the confusing untold details about really happened over the last 65 or so years with our EAST-WEST football cultures and respective regions. Just remember Jeff H that you can’t always believe everything the media tells you. I’ve learned that a lot of the accurate facts & details are not always known by the general public and masses. For example many times over the ages the media only gives you half truths and sometimes only what they want you and the football world to believe. I’ve found if you really want to know all the cold hard football facts sometimes you have to dig around for it like an archeologist digging for dinosaur bones. LOL. And my good sources were from many of our trusted older generations that aren’t with us anymore. So now we have to be the ones digging for football facts that everyone else can go to if they want to know the cold hard facts. I was thinking of starting an archeology club for hard to find football facts about lost football treasures, rumors, myths, etc. instead of me just doing all the work myself. It could be extremely interesting. And lastly I once met someone in person similar to us on another big football forum that ended many years ago that was from another Eastern HS powerhouse that Wilson used to scrimmage for many years. Our schools then became bitter rivals. He was older than me and I learned a lot from him but he passed away and I still miss him. Now I’m the older guy. LOL. GO DAWGS FOREVER.
Jeff H you are starting to make me feel much better about you young man. Despite all our EAST-WEST differences and deep love for our own areas I’m sure if we knew each other a little better we could be friends. I’m sure there is probably just a lot of things we just don’t know or understand about our respective areas and football cultures that goes back ages. I once met and became good friends with a very dedicated much older football Guru on a former giant football forum like this one about 20-25 years ago from another eastern football power that used to scrimmage Wilson for years and we were always evenly matched but he sadly passed away and I still miss him. Football was more than just just a game to us but our lives. We might be similar but I’m probably the older guy now. LOL. Thanks Jeff H. GO DAWGS FOREVER.
Shoutout to Kulpmont native, Lourdes graduate and UCLA head coach Bob Chesney on the big win over the Oregon Ducks and improving the Bruins record to 5-0! Great guy and winner whenever he goes!
Kemon Spell the 5 star RB from Mckeesport has not played the last 3 weeks due to a turf toe injury sustained against propel Braddock hills in week 4. There are reports per KDKA radio that he is healthy enough to play but Georgia has explicitly told him his 7 figure NIL deal is off the table if he doesn’t show up in January 100 percent healthy and pass a physical. Rumors are he will not play the rest of the regular season but will in the playoffs. Glad I saw him in weeks 2 and 3 when he ran for about 500 combined yards he is a special player. Sad that high school football had come to this for elite players.
If thats the case that is a shame for high school football. I get it from both sides. With the type of money that is being paid there is alot of pressure for these schools to get a return as early as possible. But it also stinks for the high schools that miss out on having great seasons without having a great player in the lineup.
Totally agree, I too see if from both sides with the massive amount of NIL money being thrown around but its a very unfortunate development for HS football
Then he flips (again) to Alabama.
This weekend’s PA high school football police report:
https://www.wnep.com/article/news/crime/stabbing-shenandoah-valley-high-school-football-game-arrest-state-police-jose-nunez-ovando-assault/523-6a396bc4-8b72-43f4-87af-c6c9f097845f
Manheim Central – I encourage all of you to search what happened AGAIN at Manheim Central. This racist behavior is taught from the parents, community and coaches in that school district. It is the exact same pattern as PSU – with everyone claiming they knew nothing about it. Horrible! I hope that coach never steps foot in a school or football field again. HE KNEW THE WHOLE TIME!!!!!!!!!!
What does what happened at manheim central have to do about penn state?
Shoutout to Jeanette as they go for their 800th win in program history tonight against rival Greensburg CC, with both squads coming into the game with 5-1 records. If the Jayhawks win they would be the sixth school in the state and second in the WPIAL to reach 800 victories, joining Mt Carmel, Easton, Berwick, Steel-High and Aliquippa in that elite club.
No full statewide picks this week. Will do something D2 note related this weekend.
I’ve kinda been out of it the last few weeks, so forgive me for not putting in the effort
Classic format this time
D11
– Becahi vs. Freedom: Freedom 27-24
– NW Lehigh vs. Lehighton: NWL 42-14
– NDGP vs. Palmerton: NDGP 33-13
– Mahanoy vs. Tri-Valley: T-V 30-0
D4
– Shamokin vs. Williamsport: SHMK 38-18
– Mount Carmel vs. Montoursville: MCA 31-17
– Danville vs. Southern Columbia: SCA 35-7
– Loyalsock vs. Warrior Run: WR 28-13
– Canton vs. Muncy: Canton 31-21
D1
– CB West vs. CB South: CBW 33-22
– Pennridge vs. North Penn: Pennridge 34-21
– Pottsgrove vs. Upper Perk: P’grove 35-15
– Spring-Ford vs. Perk Valley: S-F 33-16
– Delco vs. Ridley: Delco 32-14
– Strath Haven vs. Garnet Valley: GV 34-24
– D’Town West vs. D’Town East: DTW 28-21
– Great Valley vs. Shanahan: Shan 30-14
– Academy Park vs. Chester: Chester 41-13
D12
– St. Joe’s Prep vs. La Salle: La Salle 28-27
– Imhotep vs. Northeast: IC 45-22
– O’Hara vs. Roman Catholic: RC 29-22
– Conwell-Egan vs. Arch. Carroll: AJC 31-14
D3
– Palmyra vs. Mechanicsburg: MECH 37-17
– Penn Manor vs. Manheim Twp.: MTWP 30-17
– Twin Valley vs. Solanco: TV 33-21
– Ephrata vs. Manheim Central: EPH 28-14
– Northern Lebanon vs. Lampeter-Strasburg: L-S 23-6
– Lancaster Catholic vs. Schuylkill Valley: LanCath 32-14
– Central York vs. New Oxford: CY 33-8
D5/6
– Bellwood-Antis vs. Guilfoyle: BG 28-10
– Mount Union vs. Juniata Valley: MU 46-21
– Cambria Heights vs. Portage: CH 34-13
– Meyersdale vs. Northern Bedford: MEY 34-16
D9/10
– Cathedral Prep vs. General McLane: ECP 38-7
– Farrell vs. Sharpsville: FARR 49-13
– Hickory vs. Fort LeBoeuf: HCKRY 38-13
– Mercyhurst Prep vs. North East: MPrep 29-7
– Wilmington vs. Greenville: WILM 27-23
– Brockway vs. Punxsutawney: PUNX 38-28
– Karns City vs. Ridgway-Johnsonburg: KC 28-21
– Redbank Valley vs. Port Allegany: PTA 44-22
WPIAL
– North Allegheny vs. Central Catholic: PCC 41-21
– North Hills vs. Armstrong: ARM 24-22
– Penn Hills vs. Pine-Richland: P-R 38-16
– Thomas Jefferson vs. West Allegheny: TJ 35-22
– Avonworth vs. Shady Side: AVNW 31-17
– New Castle vs. Montour: MNTR 24-16
– PBH vs. West Mjfflin: PBH 32-15
– McKeesport vs. Central Valley: MCK 26-21
– McGuffey vs. Seton LaSalle: SLS 42-13
– Burgettstown vs. Washington: WASH 32-14
– Jeannette vs. Greensburg CC: JNTE 39-21
– Laurel vs. Northgate: Laurel 35-10
– Neshannock vs. Beaver Falls: NSHK 26-20
Others
– Altoona (6) vs. Bishop McDevitt: McD 35-10
– Steel-High (3) vs. Line Mtn. (4): S-H 37-27
– Chichester (1) vs. Executive (11): CHI 28-20
– Austintown Fitch vs. McDowell (10): Fitch 36-15
– Erie (10) vs. St. Francis (NY): STF 37-13
– Kiski vs. Blair: Blair 38-21
An absolute plethora of must see or at least interesting games in District One tonight. So many to choose from. What game would you check out, or better yet, which game are you going to??
Central Bucks West/Central Bucks South
Downingtown West/Downingtown East
Pennridge/North Penn
Great Valley/Bishop Shanahan
Pottsgrove/Upper Perkiomen
Spring-Ford/Perkiomen Valley
Springfield-Delco/Ridley
Strath Haven/Garnet Valley
West Chester Rustin/West Chester East
I’m making that mini road trip once again in back to back weeks this evening down to Downingtown and an inevitable packed and electric Kottmeyer Stadium for an to the annual Battle of the Brandywine. Or as for this year’s rendition, I am calling I the Battle of the RB8s.
Another nice night on tap. Get out and enjoy a game wherever you are.
This friendly football post is directed to the young man Jeff H and his good friend Irish1. Thanks to the both of you for reaching out and responding to me. From the statements Jeff H made I could easily tell he was a very proud WPIAL Pittsburgh high school football die hard guy just like I am in my area but it seemed like I may have been involved with my area’s football programs about 15 years longer than him from what I understood from what he said in his posts. Anyway it seems like we don’t completely agree with each other on everything even though I’m sure we are both a wealth of football knowledge from East and West Pennsylvania. I just hope our differences don’t cause too much confusion or ill feelings toward each other. I’m sure no one can ever completely agree but I feel it’s important to be openminded about the way we both perceive things in the great football world of Pennsylvania High School Football. I’m not on here to divide us but to help to make us understand how we look at things. And when you say it the way it is sometimes what we both believe can hurt sometimes. But no one is perfect so we always have to be very careful how and what we say so it doesn’t sound like we are bragging or exaggerating because it can easily happen when you feel proud. Wilson is very proud of their PENNSYLVANIA State Record called “THE STREAK” of 63 winning-non losing seasons in a row and counting. Now for the facts and some confusion. I mentioned 5 years that we came close to winning state titles. The years were 1978, 1981, 1989, 1990, & 2008. In 1978 and 1981 Wilson badly destroyed everyone both years and we welcomed to play all comers from the East after the season ended including Harrisburg but no one wanted to play us for a mythical Eastern title. (SORRY FOR THE CONFUSION ON THESE GREAT TEAMS) I don’t count the 2016 state playoffs because of the big loss to Pittsburgh Central Catholic. !989 with Kerry Collins at QB the future great Penn State & Pro star was a tossup game against Upper St. Clair because of a dropped winning pass in the end zone at end of game and we were also missing our best defensive player (260 lb. blue chip tackle tackle to injury). 1990 we felt like we had the best team that year and on film our huge bruising running back Jeff Neidrowski was seen clearly scoring the winning TD crossing the goal line but they didn’t count it. 2008 Triple OT game is probably the game against Bethel Park that probably upsets everyone the most. Don’t ever mention the refs to someone unless you are ready for a war. The refs were all from the west and the flags starting flying all game long from the opening whistle until the the very end of the 3rd OT. BP didn’t run on Wilson the entire game as no one else did all year. Wilson justly felt cheated and robbed with the best team in the state IMO. BTW the refs ran out of the stadium like a bunch scared rabbits after the game ended. LOL. I wonder why? And now I’m really sorry to have to mention this but the #1 thing that really irks almost 100% of all Pa. public schools is the uneven playing field against non boundary parochial, private, etc. “ALL STAR TEAMS” in state playoff games that can recruit players from anywhere on the planet. This has been a sore subject for a long time. The bill was in the state senate but I don’t know what happened. And the last thing I will say is that in resent years Manheim Township has showed up in some top 10 polls sometimes. GO DAWGS.
I will make you a deal Wilson4ever if Wilson wins D3 and plays PCC in the state semifinals the game will almost certainly be played at Mansion Park in Altoona where I have attended numerous playoff games in the past including last years classic with Mcdevitt beating Peters 31-28. I will probably go to that game this year and if you are there I’d like to meet you and buy you a beer after the game and talk some high school football.
Week 7
– Scranton Prep vs. North Pocono (GoW): Huge, huge game in Moscow. Both teams looking to grab momentum heading into the playoffs. It won’t be easy, but give me the Trojans.
– Honesdale vs. Lakeland (LFC): This is a sneaky competitive game here. The Hornets have been dominant in the running game, but Lakeland is finding ways to win & run the table. Honesdale will compete, but it’s not enough for this one.
– Pittston vs. Crestwood (WVC): Not a lot of good ones in the WVC this weekend, but these two do need the momentum. Crestwood, especially. I think that the Comets will challenge, but their nightmare season continues.
– Wallenpaupack vs. Abington Heights (Big Boys): Such an interesting game in Clarks Summit. Paupack has been red hot, but Abington Heights has always been a thorn in their side. I’ll give the Buckhorns a slight edge due to their running game
– Carbondale vs. Holy Cross (Small School): I think this is an interesting game. Both teams are fighting for their spot in the playoffs. Holy Cross is in the subregional race, but they have to hold off Trail. I think Carbondale takes it out on HC after narrowly beating the Sabers.
– Dallas vs. Lake-Lehman (Rivalry/Respect): The Old Shoe comes in here by default. Big rivalry game here. Lake-Lehman isn’t a bad team, but the Mounties are for real. I’ll take Dallas in a slight laugher.
– Western Wayne vs. Dunmore (Playoffs?): For Western Wayne, hanging onto the 4-seed is important. Montrose could win, as can a Mid Valley upset. But also, Dunmore’s in a #1 seed slot, so every win matters. Dunmore holds on.
– Holy Redeemer vs. Nanticoke (Crossover): By default, this is the best crossover game between two teams that need wins to keep their hopes afloat. GNA over Redeemer. They need the momentum for the playoffs.
– Jersey Shore vs. DuBois (5A/6A): Oh we got a game out in D9 territory. Shore has been pretty good & DuBois at 4-2 wants a statement win. Not this year. I’ll take Shore.
– Nativity vs. Marian (1A): A rebuilding Nativity travels to Marian, looking for something on the momentum train. Marian wants to get the better seed. This should be Marian’s game to win & by a decent margin.
Scores
– N Pocono 31, Scr. Prep 21
– Lakeland 35, Honesdale 20
– Pittston 30, Crestwood 14
– Paupack 22, AH 20
– C’dale 45, HC 14
– Dallas 44, L-L 14
– Dunmore 41, WW 17
– GNA 28, HR 14
– Shore 33, DuBois 20
– Marian 31, Nativity 6
Thurs Picks
– South Philly over Kensington 24-10
– Bartram over Mastery North 35-7
– Big Spring over York Tech 55-0
– Westy over Brashear 49-7
– Girard over Eisenhower 37-17
– Berks Catholic over Kutztown 47-0
– PME over ESS 35-21
– S’burg over PMW 23-19
– Shen Valley over Schuylkill Haven 35-27
– Ringgold over Uniontown 31-7
– Towanda over Wellsboro 29-16
Jeff H you sound like a District 11 fan but I could be wrong. You seem to be full of yourself and your area as usual for many years now that have been overrated sometimes because of the way that you have been bashing Scott G. Hagy when he was just stating cold hard facts. He was correct in his statement that Wilson almost came all the way back against C B West. Wilson was their own worst enemy early in the year and also against C B West where they gave the ball away 7 times (and had numerous other penalties not mentioned) with 3 fumbles, 3 interceptions, and a 15 yard crucial holding penalty when they should have had a first down instead late in the fourth quarter when they came within 28-23 and were driving for the go ahead winning TD that killed their final chance to win after all those give aways. I even go a step further than Scott G. Hagy who was just saying they are a good team. Half the teams they played were very good and the other half were teams I agree were below par IMO but they beat the friggin poop to high hell out everyone when they didn’t beat themselves. Most of their games should have seriously been 50 or 60 something to 0 but Wilson has always played Gurski ball for over 60 years when they put the subs in the entire 2nd half. Wilson holds the undisputed state record Wilson calls “THE STREAK” for the most winning and non losing seasons in a row for 63 years in a now and counting. Wilson also came very close to winning the state title about 5 times in their history but it’s not really mentioned very often. Like they say you can only play and beat the teams you are scheduled except for that C B West blunder so far. If they make Central York look bad like the did to a state powerhouse like Manheim Township then they could possibly contend for a state title again. Wilson is already ranked 9th in Pennsylvania’s 6A top 10 teams in some of the polls. GO DAWGS FOREVER.
Where did you get the impression I’m a D11 fan, I’m from Pittsburgh and have followed WPIAL football very closely since the early 70’s, and statewide since the playoffs began in 1988. I wouldn’t say Wilson came close to winning the state title 5 times, the only time they made the final was in 1989 when they lost 12-7 to Upper St. Clair, and the other years they won D3 they lost in the semi-finals, so it’s a bit of a stretch to say they “almost” won the state title 5 times. I will say when they lost to Bethel Park in 3 OT in the 2008 semi-finals was the year they could have won a state title as they may very well have beaten Bethlehem Liberty in the final had they gotten past BP. And when did Manheim Township become a state powerhouse, I must have missed that? Good program, yes, state powerhouse, not quite.
Jeff H is our go to guy for Western pa info on here. I dont think he was trying to talk down the Wilson program in any way. They certainly have a great tradition of winning teams. Not sure how much stock anyone should put into state rankings they are fun to look at but how many of those teams do you think the people doing the rankings have actually seen? I would say probably not many, its mostly going off of reputations ,previous success, and here say. Pittsburgh Central Catholic is the overwhelming favorite in 6A, Three offensive linemen with scholarships to Notre Dame, Ohio st and Penn st maybe St Joes Prep would hang with them for a half but they might not even get to the final this yr.
I’ll go on record now of predicting a PCC vs. Roman Catholic state final in 6A.
I’ll give you the option and leave the door cracked open a little bit until next Monday for you to rescind your RC prediction without penalty. I did see them yesterday. I plan again next Saturday against La Salle. Anyways, yesterday their defense was locked down. No issues there. Offense however is a shell of last year’s team, which was a well oiled precision machine. Last year’s team (as well s La Salle’s), were generational teams in my opinion. In addition, maybe I should also give some credit to the O’Hara’s defense yesterday. But the game overall can be summed up in one word: sloppy. In two words: Very sloppy.
I am going to stick with my August prediction of St. Joe Prep repping the East after a one year absence in the 6A state championship game despite being 2 QBs removed from when I originally picked them. PCC was/is pretty much a no brainer coming out of the west. So a re-match from 2 years ago is still inked in in my book.
No budging on my August prediction in 5A of PR v. Imhotep. I wasn’t exactly going off the deep end there. I haven’t seen ‘Tep yet this year, a hard team for me to check out in person. Thinking my only shot will be a state quarter final most likely against Southern Lehigh and/or a state semi with the D1 rep. That game once again per this year’s bracket will be on D1 soil.
PR is obviously very good, but I’m not ready to predict they will win the WPIAL and play in the state final yet, I saw them last week destroy a depleted Moon squad. Upper St Clair is a team to be reckoned with, and their style of play with great defense and punishing ground attack should match up well with PR, they made a statement last week with a 44-0 shoutout of their rival Peters. Penn Trafford is also very good, I will see them in 2 weeks against Woodland Hills and will have a better feel after that game for how things shake out in WPIAL 5A, I would be very surprised if one of those 3 don’t win the district title.
I have a lot of respect for the Wilson program and their tradition and am well aware of their streak of non losing seasons which is admirable, I’ll even go as far as saying they are one of the best programs in District 3 that has never won a state title along with Harrisburg. They are very good this year, I just don’t think they are one of the best teams in the state, and if they manage to win D3 and play PCC in the state semi-finals they will likely lose by 3-4 scores, maybe not as bad as the 63-21 blowout to PCC in the 2016 semi-finals, but I don’t think it will be close.
Respectfully disagree about the guy’s Wilson comments. His assessment of Wilson definitely was basically to downplay the team’s chances against what he considers the good teams. Wilson4ever is obviously a Wilson partisan, but I believe he’s correct that Wilson deserves some respect. If the Bulldogs continue to win – the District playoffs will be interesting. Pretty sure they can give both McDevitt and Harrisburg all they can handle. I’m not predicting they’ll win dist. 3, but it’s possible this year!
Can anyone tell me with 100% confidence where and when (day and time) this weekend’s Cardinal O’Hara/Roman Catholic game will be played??
Rose bowl?
Day and time??
I did some investigating turns out the game is not at the Rose Bowl, looks like Wissahickon high Saturday, I dont have a gametime
I think UCLA is on the road this week, so plenty of times should be available.
I am going to hold off on getting a last minute ticket to LAX and just head on down Route 309 to Ambler early Saturday afternoon. Both schools’ websites, the AOP Athletic site, and one other source are all finally in a agreement with the game being at Wissahickon HS Saturday afternoon at 1p. This site and Max Preps still insists that the game is Friday night, with Max Preps having the game at Norristown.
Now let’s work on the SJP/Bonner game. At least we have a few weeks to nail down that one.
Your latest PA high school football police blotter report……
https://6abc.com/post/2-teens-custody-guns-marijuana-found-backpacks-truman-high-school-football-game/19911934/
Seton lasalle is looking better and better every week.
They have beaten up a couple of very bad teams from downtrodden programs the last few weeks and won’t have a competitive game until they play Bishop Canevin in week 10. Despite losing last night SC is still the team to beat in 2A although I think if Seton LaSalle gets to the state final they will give SC a real battle.
My first trip of the year down to Downingtown and Kottmeyer Stadium. Dodged a few sporadic first half sprinkles that never got worse, and it was a successful trip (no non football related nonsense either that I am aware of, thank goodness). Probably, hopefully, won’t be my last Friday mini road trip down there, heck it may even be as soon as next Friday (more on that next week). The local Ches-Mont rivalry Coatesville at Downingtown West. Very DTW sided. You can call it the Amari Cannon night. At least for the first half. Saw he racked up 239 rushing yards just in the first half. Cooled off in the second, don’t know his final numbers. Do know that he had a total of 5 TDs on the night. DTW wins fairly comfortably 41-19, with 2 of the Coatesville’s TDs coming on kickoff returns. Sets up a Downingtown East v. Downingtown West game next Friday.
Looks like a perfect afternoon to take in another game, so may motivate myself to head down to Warminster and check out La Salle for the second time and a rare look at Father Judge.
I finally have Week 6 picks done. Will combine 5 & 6 D2 notes this weekend. Sorry, guys. Let me know if there’s a marquee game I didn’t make marquee. Some of these 3-2/2-3 teams are fool’s gold records for me, so I usually avoid it unless it’s a brand name.
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1GUxlidj7VGViUg2plch8PiubTY8TTZf19MuYLcA8jk0/edit?usp=sharing
Cedar Crest picked over Wilson one of the state’s better teams? Wilson destroyed the Falcons!
Not sure I would consider Wilson one of the states better teams the one good team they played they lost to CBW the rest of their schedule has been cupcakes outside of MT and they are down a bit this year.
Geez Jeff, you really triggered Scott. I got to agree with him on this one tho. Guess it all comes down to what your definition is of “better teams.” I’m not big fan of individual team rankings, but I’d group WWL in a list of top 15 or 20 6A teams statewide. That would put them in the top fifth percentile of all 6A teams statewide, which I would classify as a better team.
Yep, guess I poked the bear! I’ve been known to do that to So. Columbia diehards too! Your point is well taken, I too would have them in the 10-15 range in 6A, and behind several of the top 5A teams, so I guess you could consider them one of the better teams, I just don’t see them as a threat to contend for a state title this year, we’ll see!
I still think Wilson can play with the top teams – against CB West they fell into a big hole through turnovers but got to within 28-23 until still another turnover led to a late CBW add on. Just WHO plays a solid team every week? No team I’ve looked at. I don’t think Harrisburg is as good this year but we’ll see at crunch time!
Really? Hard to believe you don’t consider MT a “good team” – they beat a tough Central York team. Wilson did lose to CB West primarily because of turnovers – they did outgain them. I certainly think Wilson can do well against the boundary public school teams.
Well, I don’t agree with your opinion. Wilson shut out Manheim Township which beat North Penn and a strong Central York team and is not “down” this year. They did lose to CB West largely due to numerous turnovers. They did outgain CBW and almost came back in the second half. We’ll see what transpires as the season winds down but it’s clear the Dawgs can play with any team in the state.
MT did not play North Penn, they did beat a solid CY team, and Neshaminy from D1, but that’s not saying much as the Redskins are mediocre at best this year having been blown out the last 2 weeks, MT also plays a relatively weak schedule.
Your opinion about Wilson – I think you underestimate them. Their schedule isn’t any softer than most other teams. Township has proven to be very good and is not “down” this year. Wilson lost to CBW because they had numerous turnovers, but they outgained them and almost came all the way back.
Yes, Wilson lost to CBW, but mainly through turnovers and they still almost came back all the way. Wilson does NOT have a ‘cupcake’ schedule. They do play some bad teams, but who doesn’t? Township is very good and Wilson shut them out. Wilson has earned the right to be considered among the state’s best teams at this point!
Yes, Wilson lost to CBW, but mainly through turnovers and they still almost came back all the way. Wilson does NOT have a ‘cupcake’ schedule. They do play some bad teams, but who doesn’t? Township is very good and Wilson shut them out. Wilson has earned the right to be among the state’s best teams at this point!
They lost to CBW by 2 scores, I wouldn’t call that almost all the way back. They do have a pretty weak schedule, they play 3 good teams in CBW, MT, and CY, the rest of their opponents this year are mediocre at best. I guess it depends on your definition of one of the better teams in the state, I don’t have them in my top 10 in 6A, and I think there are several 5A teams who are better, I doubt they would beat either Pine Richland or Upper St Clair. Manheim Township is solid this year, like most years, and I give Wilson credit for shutting them out, that is definitely their best win of the season, but I don’t think MT is as good as they were several years ago when they lost to Harrisburg in the district final in 2022/23. We’ll see how they do against CY in a couple of weeks, win that game and I’ll give them some props, although I don’t think they will beat either Harrisburg or McDevitt in the district playoffs, we’ll see!
Sorry about the multiple postings about Wilson – I thought none were going through so I kept trying!
I just took a peek at you picks for this weekend. Guess its easy to comment on 2 Philly area games from last night, but I would said no way is Shanahan beating DTE and it is highly unlikely BP is beating RC. That game tho was closer than I expected. There is one game today I can go on the record with before it is played, as I’ll take West Catholic over LC. In fact, I’ll give you guys a little heads up to keep an eye open for WC in 2A come November. They are not winning a state Championship, or will be playing for a state championship, but I could see them meeting up with Dunmore in the state 2A quarterfinals.
Really surprised you picked Penn Hills over Penn Trafford, that would be a big upset as PH is down this year and PT has their best team since they won a state title 5yrs ago, I think PT wins this game comfortably and wouldn’t be surprised if its a mercy rule. Not really very many marquee games in the WPIAL tonight, some in the lower classes, but that’s about it. USC vs. Peters has been a marquee game the last several years, but Peters is only 2-3 this year, I saw USC beat South Fayette last week and I think they’ll beat Peters by a couple of TDs tonight, USC has a very solid defense and Peters will likely struggle to move the ball on offense.
I’m of the understanding that next week’s St. Joe Prep/La Salle game has been moved from Central Bucks South to all places Lafayette College, located in that quiet, peaceful city of Easton. You just can’t make this stuff up folks. Now the obvious question: Why??
Confirmed this with Lafayette’s athletic department. But your very solid question remains – why?? Side effect will be giving district 11 folks a live look at the likely opponents for the state quarterfinals…
Confirmed on my end as well. I was at the La Salle/Fr. Judge game Saturday and got talking with a couple of La Salle reps. Two things, and still trying the figure this out, is that the game was originally scheduled at CB South was moved because of construction at CB South. OK, fine, but you (all parties involved) should have known about that when the game was scheduled. It’s not like the construction began this week out of the blue. Second, and this is somewhat not surprising, no other facility in the area, so they said, was suitable. By suitable, I mean either not being big enough (Norristown, Upper Dub, Wiss., etc.)(I can attest to that as well by being at previous games at UD and Wiss), the asking price/facility fee was too high, if not flat out exorbitant (Villanova), and third, let’s just say that they got an icy cold shoulder (that is a thanks, but no thanks) from the more suitable (larger high school) facilities in the immediate area (think north on Rte. 309 and Sumneytown Pike from UD and Wiss). Some how Lafayette got involved and became the site. Will be interesting in mid November when they have the PCL 6A championship game. That will almost certainly feature 2 these 3 teams: La Salle, SJP and Roman Catholic.
Great info, and agreed. I talked to a LaSalle guy yesterday, and his thought was that the publics just don’t want the hassle of a large game like this and the additional manpower/cost/logistics that it would bring, as well as the unspoken underlying fear of inviting the fox into the henhouse. Villanova has a bye this week, so money may well have been the issue there. Not sure how Lafayette entered the chat, but would surmise that they are smart enough to see the collection of talent involved and likely have their sights on a few of them already, so it was an easy ‘yes’ when approached about it. My guess is that the PCL 6A championship game gets played at Northeast HS. I forget who’s hosting this year, but if District 12 ends up in the state semifinal and hosts, wouldn’t it be a hoot if they played it at the South Philly Supersite? They won’t, though. All three of those programs want to elevate and promote their kids, teams and brand of football. All three have the “anybody anywhere anytime” mindset, so getting bounced out of CB South (or 309 & Sumneytown lol) is no skin off their ass – they’ll play you in a parking lot. Regardless of venue, there should be some really good games for all of us to take in over the coming weeks!
Week 6’s picks. I didn’t get to D2 Notes. Sorry. May throw in them tomorrow. Gonna make the picks on the pick sheet tonight & tomorrow. Not sure how I did, but here’s this week’s.
– Lakeland vs. Riverside (GoW): Battle of the unbeatens & the first of all 3 LFC 2 games. Both have looked solid, but Lakeland seems to be very, very good. Winner gets to 6-0 & Lakeland should beat the Vikings.
– Western Wayne vs. Honesdale (LFC): I had DV-VV here at first glance, but honestly, pay respect to Honesdale. 4-1 on the season & they look to be a dangerous team in division play. They get the easy matchup first & should take down a WW team that needs a win.
– Crestwood vs. Wyoming Area (WVC): Not as good of a matchup as we had thought, but this does have implications. We need to see Crestwood do more here. They’re sitting behind Nanticoke in 4A. Meanwhile, Wyoming Area’s in a fight with Montrose, Western Wayne, & Lake-Lehman for home field.
– Abington Heights vs. Scranton Prep (Big Boys): Scranton Prep is a big boy. They should be playing at 4A/5A, but we have a game against one, so call it even. A big game for both. AH is looking to keep home field alive. I think it won’t result in a win. Give me the Jesuit Giants.
– Dunmore vs. Mid Valley (Small School): Mid Valley is a respectable 3-2. Dunmore’s unblemished. I think Sparty can challenge, but I think there’ll be too much power for them.
– Holy Cross vs. Holy Redeemer (Rivalry/Respect): Respect to Holy Cross for batting .500. Rivalry time for the Redeemer Royals. This is a big game because if they can get to .500, that may help them for the playoff hopes. Yes, Holy Cross as D2 champs would be insane.
– Nanticoke vs. Lake-Lehman (Playoffs?): This is a battle of final seed teams. L-L has a sizeable lead over WW in 3A, but visiting 4A Nanticoke is hanging by a thread over Crestwood. I think Lake-Lehman dominates this, but an upset here may put GNA in a really, really interesting spot.
– North Pocono vs. Wilkes-Barre (Crossover): Not all too flashy of a game, but I think this has implications for the 6A seeding games. A stunning upset & a West Scranton loss puts this game in an interesting seeding battle for the 3-seed. North Pocono shall roll directly to 6-0.
– Williamsport vs. Jersey Shore (5A/6A): I’m not so focused on the implications here. Billtown is pretty good this year. One loss to Shik so far, but Shore is somehow 3-2. Big game for both teams. I’m going to take the Shore here, but they’re going to be challenged by a very good Millionaire squad.
– Marian vs. Tri-Valley (1A): All 1A vs. 1A games in D11 are here by default. This is a slightly important one. An upset for Marian adds some insurance, as Trail takes on Old Forge up on the hill.
Scores
– Lakeland 33, Riverside 21
– Honesdale 35, WW 13
– Wyo Area 30, Crestwood 14
– SP 28, AH 14
– Dunmore 35, Mid Val 14
– HC 20, HR 14
– L-L 33, GNA 10
– N Pocono 34, WBA 17
– Shore 24, Billtown 23
– T-V 28, Marian 13
I believe we’ve been down this road before, but refresh/update my memory, why do you believe Scranton Prep “should be playing at 4A/5A??”
Spoiler alert, I am probably going to disagree with your response/answer 🙂
Prep already plays in division 1 in the Lackawanna conference which is 6A 5A and 4A schools.
Also they need to be able to win some games in states in 3A before moving up.
Totally agree, Scranton Prep needs to make a run or two in the state playoffs before considering moving up a class, I don’t remember them ever making the state semi-finals, let alone the final in 3A.
You guys must have read my notes. Those were the two points I was going to push back with. Prep’s 7 game league schedule consists of all bigger schools, from 4A to 6A. Second, their record in state playoff games for the past 5 years is 2-5. The 5 is a constant, as any team that goes to the state playoffs will loose one game per year unless you win it all. The 2 wins in 5 years is the issue. Not exactly a stat that screams that a team should be playing up. Yes, they have been dominating D2 3A, but are you going to voluntarily move up just to allow some average team at best to win D2 3A just to get get smoked in playoff state game??
Haven vs Williams Valley, predictions
Williams Valley 28-20
Schuylkill Haven. Coach Farr is back on sideline
MCA vs SCA, predictions?
Mt. Carmel has no shot of advancing in the state playoffs with the offense they run. No shot.
After your prediction for the SCA game, I don’t give your opinion to much weight!
We shall see! According to your prediction, they had no chance to win the SCA game, either!
They run an offense that was popular in 1957. Im not saying mca doesn’t have as much talent as any of the other top teams in the state. Im saying your coach and your offense prevents it from going further than they can. That offense doesn’t work against good teams. It didnt work friday.
Worked well enough to beat one of the better teams in the entire state. Honestly SCA had the ball almost the entire second half. Until the final drive, MCA only ran 4 plays. At half they out rushed SCA 160 to 57.
Mt Carmel will lose to the D11 winner in the state playoffs if they get that far.
Southern 34 mca 14
Ummm, wrong!
I’d would go with SCA. However, this season so far has some mind boggling wins and losses.
On paper it looks like it should be a great game. First time I remember both teams playing week 6 with 5-0 records. I haven’t seen Southern play yet this year but from MCA perspective it depends on which MCA defense shows up. If it’s the one that played against Haven week 1 it’s a Southern blowout. Both teams can run the ball and don’t pass much but I’d give Southern a slight edge in the passing game. MCA will have to control the game on the ground and avoid turnovers and big plays to get the win. Hard to judge by wins over quality opponents since both SCA week 1 win vs Wyo and MCA win vs Haven seem less impressive at this point. MCA has had some recent success against Southern in the regular season so what I would call a mild upset is not out of the question. Hopefully the rain holds out, should be a nice crowd with homecoming and alumni weekend.
MCA jumps out to an early lead, but the Tigers come on strong in the second half.
SCA….35
MCA….24
An emotionally charged Red Tornado team jumps out to an early lead at home in the Silver Bowl. But the Tigers come back in the second half for the win.
SCA…..35
MCA….24
Fun times on Friday nights in Easton. Easy fix, play your two remaining home games on the road, assuming they even want you.
https://www.lehighvalleylive.com/easton/2026/09/eastons-friday-night-football-tradition-in-jeopardy-after-unprecedented-arrests-at-games.html
Happened on the South Side outside of Cupples Stadium after the game where Westinghouse played University Prep. Multiple police officers were trying to break up a fight among teenagers on Carson Street and someone pulled out a gun and shot two guys and a female, all three are hospitalized in stable condition as of the last report, and the shooter was still at large.
So disappointing. Cottingham is one of the best Friday night atmospheres in the state. CB West didn’t have any issues there last year, although Easton does provide a police escort back out of town for the visiting team, “just in case.”
I understand there was some sort of “get together”, or simply a very large crowd, gathered in Doylestown after last weeks NP/CBW game. Was that whole situation overblown??
Don’t know if I’d say it was overblown but it was a pretty small group of kids (split between CB East, South and West) who caused the trouble. After games there are always “hundreds” of kids wandering around town, getting pizza, hanging out near the Starbucks, etc… This time there was some vandalism and the group of troublemakers apparently jumped another kid and that’s what led to the police posting the fight video to try to identify the perpetrators. From what I’ve heard, it’s no secret as to who was involved so it’ll be interesting to see if actual arrests are made. They seem to be in the 15-16 year old range.
Society been going down hill for yrs. There are zero consequenses for people who ruin events for everyone else, whether its a High school football game in the fall or a community carnival in the summer. Keeps getting worse. Its pathetic
The only thing funner is a Thursday night high school football game in Pittsburgh………..
“Gunshots heard at Cupples Stadium in the South Side following Westinghouse’s win over University Prep. Lots of scrambling. Everyone is told to take cover.”
I inadvertently replied to the wrong thread about the shooting last night after the Westinghouse game, it was outside the stadium on Carson Street, unclear at this time if any of the victims attended the game, reports are all 3 are teenagers.
Shenandoah Valley on a roll. Round of applause for coming out of a 3 TD defecit and to lay an extra 19 points.
Yep. Big bounce back after losing to tri valley. They play haven and williams valley yet. Those will let us know if they are contenders in D11 AA but what a year after they didn’t win a game for two years.
Yes, Shenandoah could win both of those game.
So guys……..when was the last time you saw this score…….4-0………at a football game??
Final:
Lansdale Catholic 4
Neumann Goretti 0
Saturday
North Penn up 20-7 on CB West at halftime, cruising right along, getting the second half kickoff, thought I’d be heading home early. Instead, I get stuck in end of game traffic. Nothing like two fumbles giving CBW two 20 or so yard drives for TD’s, a blocked PAT, then can’t stop their running game in the second half, and your own offense goes as cold as the Phillies, and a missed 2 pt conversion with less than a minute left, which all turns a 20-7 halftime lead into a 28-26 loss. So much for that once highly anticipated North Penn/Pennridge game that I have circled on my calendar in two weeks.
West woke up from a one and a half game coma finally in the second half. The Pennridge game was a disaster with 6 fumbles and an interception. Obviously, the North Penn miscues helped but they seemed to get their energy back in the second half and started playing CB West football for the first time since Souderton. Special teams played a huge role, not only the ball being punched out by the long snapper in punt coverage but locking down the North Penn returners who had been lighting it up on kickoff / punt return this year. Outside of the big run by the North Penn QB, West was able to bottle up the North Penn backs. I just read that Gray had 15 carries for 47 yards. The NP vs Pennridge matchup is still a big game. If NP wins then it’s a three-way tie for first in the conference. Should be a great matchup.