Picks and Predictions for the PIAA Championships

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Picks and Predictions for the PIAA Championships

PIAA Finals: 

6A:  

St. Joseph’s Prep vs. Central Catholic

at Cumberland Valley High School December 7 at 7 p.m.

Andy Shay: St. Joseph’s Prep 38, Central Catholic 27: The kingpin of Class 6A is here again to announce its presence with authority. SJP is always the heavy favorite in this game.

Andy Sandrik: St. Joseph’s Prep 32, Central Catholic 25: Is there a three-peat in store for the Hawks? I think so, but Central Catholic will have a say in this outcome.

Adam Kulikowski:  St. Joseph’s Prep 35, Central Catholic 24:  Prep has appeared in every Class 6A Championship bout since the class was established in 2016, winning six of eight titles along the way.  Some say this team is ‘more beatable’ than in years past, but that doesn’t mean the road will be easy for Central. 

5A: 

Roman Catholic vs. Bishop McDevitt

at Cumberland Valley High School December 6 at 7 p.m.

Andy Shay: Bishop McDevitt 28, Roman Catholic 21: Love the quarterback matchup in this one. However the hidden key for me is the play of each defense. Where I think the Crusaders have the slightest of edge.

Andy Sandrik: Bishop McDevitt 24, Roman Catholic 21: I think there were a lot of folks expecting Pine-Richland to be here, but McDevitt did a convincing job of dispatching the Rams and now finds itself as a favorite in the state championship game, at least in my book.

Adam Kulikowski:  Bishop McDevitt 34, Roman Catholic 31: For the third time in four years, Bishop McDevitt will play for a PIAA championship—this time against the District 12 champion Cahillites. Junior QB Semaj Beals has carved up opponents all season with more than 4,000 passing yards and 48 touchdowns. 

4A: 

Bonner Prendergast vs. Lampeter Strasburg

at Cumberland Valley High School December 5 at 7 p.m.

Andy Shay: Lampeter-Strasburg 24, Bonner Prendergast 21: Call this my homer pick all the way. It’s a slim path to victory for the Pioneers, but this season they have answered every question asked. BP will ask some new ones, though.

Andy Sandrik: Lampeter-Strasburg 28, Bonner Prendergast 21: You just never know what’s going to happen in a state title game, but the Pioneers have slayed dragon after dragon to get here. I think they can do it one more time to complete their undefeated season.

Adam Kulikowski:  Bonner Prendergast 45, Lampeter Strasburg 30: Both teams will play for their first state championship December 5. Bonner enters this bout with just two losses on the season–against 6A powerhouses St. Joseph’s Prep and La Salle College. For the undefeated Pioneers, they must find a way to slow down a Bonner offense that averages more than 38 points per game and features a high-powered air attack. 

3A: 

Northwestern Lehigh vs. Avonworth

at Cumberland Valley High School December 7 at 1 p.m.

Andy Shay: Northwestern Lehigh 35, Avonworth 14: The Tigers have carved up anybody and everybody this season. Nothing changes in the highest stakes game of the season. NOTHING!

Andy Sandrik: Northwestern Lehigh 31, Avonworth 24: One of these programs will win a first state title. Odds certainly favor the unbeaten Tigers, who have absolutely demolished the competition this season.

Adam Kulikowski: Northwestern Lehigh 34, Avonworth 21: Lehigh enters this battle as the heavy favorites and for good reason. Here’s just a few… the Tigers are winners of 30 of their last 31 games and have outscored their opponents 634-93 this season. Running back Eli Zimmerman is one of the slickest cats in the Commonwealth, rushing for more than 2,500 yards and 35 touchdowns. 

2A: 

Troy vs. Central Clarion

at Cumberland Valley High School December 6 at 1 p.m.

Andy Shay: Troy 34, Central Clarion 31: Something tells me Troy is built to handle what Central Clarion is going to throw at them. If the game gets sideways and becomes a tight squeeze Troy will know exactly what to do.

Andy Sandrik: Central Clarion 27, Troy 18: Not only will Wildcats senior QB Jase Ferguson be seeking his 50th TD pass on Friday, but Central Clarion could very well be gunning for District 9’s first-ever state title, assuming Port Allegany doesn’t beat them to the punch in Thursday’s 1A final.

Adam Kulikowski:  Central Clarion 45, Troy 21: Central Clarion has imposed the mercy rule in 12 of its 14 wins this season. In its three state playoff games, they outpaced opponents by a combined 145-12 score. Yep, the Wildcats are an imposing obstacle to say the least.  

1A: 

Bishop Guilfoyle vs. Port Allegany

at Cumberland Valley High School December 5 at 1 p.m.

Andy Shay: Bishop Guilfoyle 28, Port Allegany 14: There’s just something about the way BG sucks the life out of the opposition that is kinda boring to watch, but very enjoyable from a football geek perspective. District 6 raw power will be on display.

Andy Sandrik: Port Allegany 35, Bishop Guilfoyle 28: My gut was originally telling me to go with Bishop Guilfoyle, but it’s really hard to ignore the high-powered Gators, who have beaten every one of their postseason opponents by at least three scores.

Adam Kulikowski: Bishop Guilfoyle 27, Port Allegany 21: Experience matters when the pressure is at its peak–and the Marauders have plenty when it comes to playing for a PIAA title.

Eric F. Epler’s State High School Football Rankings: December 3

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Eric F. Epler’s State High School Football Rankings: December 3

CLASS 6A

Rank – Team – District – Record — Previous

1. St. Joseph’s Prep (12) —                        10-2       — 1

2. Pittsburgh CC (7) —                                   12-2       — 2

3. La Salle College HS (12) —                  10-1       — 3

4. Harrisburg (3) —                                           11-3       — 4

5. Downingtown West (1) —                     13-2       — 5

6. North Penn (1) —                                          11-3       — 6

7. State College (6) —                                    11-2       — 7

8. Central Bucks South (1) —                  12-1       — 8

9. Parkland (11) —                                             11-3       — 9

10. North Allegheny (7) —                          10-2       — 10

Honorable mention: Central Bucks West (1) 10-3, Central York (3) 9-3, Easton Area (11) 10-2, Emmaus (11) 10-3, Imhotep Charter (12) 10-2, Manheim Township (3) 10-2, Wilson-West Lawn (3) 11-2.

CLASS 5A

Rank – Team – District – Record – Previous

1. Bishop McDevitt (3) —          13-2       — 3

2. Roman Catholic (12) —        11-4       — 4

3. Pine-Richland (7) —                11-2       — 1

4. West Chester Rustin (1) — 13-2     — 2

5. Peters Township (7) —           11-2       — 5

6. Upper St. Clair (7) —               11-1       — 6

7. Springfield-Delco (1) —       12-2       — 7

8. Exeter Township (3) —           12-2       — 8

9. Mechanicsburg (3) —             11-1       — 9

10. Hollidaysburg (6) —              12-2       — 10

Honorable mention: Abington Heights (2) 8-3, Bethel Park (7) 10-3, Conestoga Valley (3) 11-1, East Stroudsburg (11) 10-3, Garnet Valley (1) 9-4, Upper Dublin (1) 9-4.

CLASS 4A

Rank – Team – District – Record – Previous

1. Lampeter-Strasburg (3) — 14-0       — 2

2. Bonner-Prendergast (12) – 11-2     — 3

3. Thomas Jefferson (7) —        13-1       — 1

4. Southern Lehigh (11) —       12-3       — 4

5. Wyomissing (3) —                      10-3       — 5

6. Clearfield (9) —                           12-1       — 6

7. Pope John Paul II (1) —          12-2       — 7

8. Aliquippa (7) —                            7-3          — 10

9. Juniata (6) —                                  9-4          — 8

10. Shamokin (4) —                       12-1       — 9

Honorable mention: General McLane (10) 8-3, Jersey Shore (4) 8-4, McKeesport (7) 8-5, Valley View (2) 11-2, Twin Valley (3) 9-3.

CLASS 3A

Rank – Team – District – Record – Previous

1. Northwestern Lehigh (11) —              15-0       — 2

2. Avonworth (7) —                                           12-3       — 4

3. Danville (4) —                                                  13-1       — 1

4. Penn Cambria (6) —                                  14-1       — 3

5. Scranton Prep (2) —                                  12-2       — 5

6. Lewisburg (4) —                                            10-2       — 7

7. Hickory (10) —                                                11-2       — 6

8. Bermudian Springs (3) —                      11-2       — 8

9. Sharon (10) —                                                 11-2       — 9

10. Imani Christian (7) —                            11-1       — HM

Honorable mention: Central Valley (7) 7-6, Elizabeth-Forward (7) 8-3, Trinity (3) 9-3, Western Wayne (2) 10-2, Wyoming Area (2) 11-2.

CLASS 2A

Rank – Team – District – Record – Previous

1. Troy (4) —                              15-0       — 1

2. Central Clarion (9) —                                14-0       — 2

3. Riverside (2) —                                               13-2       — 3

4. South Park (7) —                                           12-2       — 4

5. Seton-LaSalle (7) —                                  12-1       — 5

6. Williams Valley (11) —                            12-2       — 6

7. Cambria Heights (6) —                           13-1       — 7

8. Ellwood City (7) —                                      10-1       — 8

9. Bedford (5) —                                                  10-4       — 9

10. Schuylkill Haven (11) —                      11-2       — 10

Honorable mention: Farrell (10) 7-6, Richland (6) 10-3, Steelton-Highspire (3) 10-3, Steel Valley (7) 9-4.

CLASS 1A

Rank – Team – District – Record – Previous

1. Bishop Guilfoyle (6) —          14-1       — 2

2. Port Allegany (9) —                   14-0       — 3

3. Fort Cherry (7) —                        14-1       — 1

4. Muncy (4) —                                   12-3       — 4

5. Clairton (7) —                                13-1       — 5

6. Lackawanna Trail (2) —        11-2       — 7

7. Westinghouse (8) —                9-2          — 6

8. Greenville (10) —                       11-2       — 8

9. Wilmington (10) —                    8-3          — 9

10. Delone Catholic (3) —        10-3       — 10

Honorable mention: Bishop Canevin (7) 9-3, Cambridge Springs (10) 9-2, Northern Cambria (6) 11-2, Redbank Valley (9) 9-4, Windber (5) 10-3.

Picks and Predictions for November 29-30

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Picks and Predictions for November 29-30

PIAA 6A Semifinal: 

Harrisburg vs. Pittsburgh Central Catholic

November 30 at 1 p.m. at Mansion Park in Altoona

Andy Shay: Pittsburgh Central Catholic 35, Harrisburg 19: The last time PCC had a legitimate competitive game that pushed them to the limit was in late September. Fewest points by the Vikings their last seven games is 38 twice. FEWEST points. Cougars aren’t equipped to handle this much two-way horsepower over 48 minutes.

Andy Sandrik: Pittsburgh Central Catholic 32, Harrisburg 23: The Cougars are going to need to play at a level we haven’t yet seen to survive this assignment.

Adam Kulikowski: Pittsburgh Central Catholic 37, Harrisburg 28:  Harrisburg has been here before. Four straight PIAA 6A semifinal appearances give this crew plenty of experience in big moments. But taking down a PCC team that plays with a pace the Cougars haven’t seen all season will be a mighty challenge. 

PIAA 5A Semifinal: 

Bishop McDevitt vs. Pine-Richland

November 29 at 7 p.m. at Mansion Park in Altoona

Andy Shay: Pine-Richland 28, Bishop McDevitt 20: Among a litany of impressive victories, the Rams have taken out Class 6A semifinalist Pittsburgh Central Catholic. The schedule has prepared McD for this type of matchup, just not sure they have all the prerequisite parts to knock off this hammer squad.

Andy Sandrik: Bishop McDevitt 28, Pine-Richland 20: This Crusaders’ defense has solved plenty of tough riddles this season, and I think they have the personnel to combat this balanced Rams attack.

Adam Kulikowski: Pine-Richland 31, Bishop McDevitt 30: In three WPIAL playoff games, the vaunted Pine-Richland defense allowed just 16 total points. It’s safe to say the Rams won’t be intimidated by the playmakers Bishop McDevitt trots onto the field.

Eric F. Epler’s State High School Football Rankings: November 26

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Eric F. Epler’s State High School Football Rankings: November 26

CLASS 6A

Rank – Team – District – Record — Previous

1. St. Joseph’s Prep (12) —                        9-2          — 1

2. Pittsburgh CC (7) —                                   11-2       — 3

3. La Salle College HS (12) —                  10-1       — 4

4. Harrisburg (3) —                                           11-2       — 6

5. Downingtown West (1) —                     13-1       — 10

6. North Penn (1) —                                          11-3       — 7

7. State College (6) —                                    11-2       — 2

8. Central Bucks South (1) —                  12-1       — 8

9. Parkland (11) —                                             11-3       — 9

10. North Allegheny (7) —                          10-2       — NR

Honorable mention: Central Bucks West (1) 10-3, Central York (3) 9-3, Easton Area (11) 10-2, Emmaus (11) 10-3, Imhotep Charter (12) 10-2, Manheim Township (3) 10-2, Wilson-West Lawn (3) 11-2.

CLASS 5A

Rank – Team – District – Record – Previous

1. Pine-Richland (7) —                11-1       — 1

2. West Chester Rustin (1) — 13-1      — 2

3. Bishop McDevitt (3) —          12-2       — 5

4. Roman Catholic (12) —        10-4       — 9

5. Peters Township (7) —           11-2       — 3

6. Upper St. Clair (7) —               11-1       — 7

7. Springfield-Delco (1) —       12-2       — 4

8. Exeter Township (3) —           12-2       — 6

9. Mechanicsburg (3) —             11-1       — 10

10. Hollidaysburg (6) —              12-2       — 8

Honorable mention: Abington Heights (2) 8-3, Bethel Park (7) 10-3, Conestoga Valley (3) 11-1, East Stroudsburg (11) 10-3, Garnet Valley (1) 9-4, Upper Dublin (1) 9-4.

CLASS 4A

Rank – Team – District – Record – Previous

1. Thomas Jefferson (7) —        13-0       — 1

2. Lampeter-Strasburg (3) — 13-0       — 3

3. Bonner-Prendergast (12) – 10-2     — 6

4. Southern Lehigh (11) —       12-2       — 8

5. Wyomissing (3) —                      10-3       — 4

6. Clearfield (9) —                           12-1       — 5

7. Pope John Paul II (1) —          12-2       — 2

8. Juniata (6) —                                  9-4          — 7

9. Shamokin (4) —                           12-1       — 9

10. Aliquippa (7) —                         7-3          — 10

Honorable mention: General McLane (10) 8-3, Jersey Shore (4) 8-4, McKeesport (7) 8-5, Valley View (2) 11-2, Twin Valley (3) 9-3.

CLASS 3A

Rank – Team – District – Record – Previous

1. Danville (4) —                                                  13-0       — 1

2. Northwestern Lehigh (11) —              14-0       — 2

3. Penn Cambria (6) —                                  14-0       — 5

4. Avonworth (7) —                                           12-3       — 6

5. Scranton Prep (2) —                                  12-2       — 3

6. Hickory (10) —                                                11-2       — 4

7. Lewisburg (4) —                                            10-2       — 8

8. Bermudian Springs (3) —                      11-2       — 7

9. Sharon (10) —                                                 11-2       — 9

10. Central Valley (7) —                                7-6          — 10

Honorable mention: Elizabeth-Forward (7) 8-3, Imani Christian (7) 11-1, Trinity (3) 9-3, Western Wayne (2) 10-2, Wyoming Area (2) 11-2.

CLASS 2A

Rank – Team – District – Record – Previous

1. Troy (4) —                              14-0       — 1

2. Central Clarion (9) —                                13-0       — 2

3. Riverside (2) —                                               13-1       — 6

4. South Park (7) —                                           12-1       — 7

5. Seton-LaSalle (7) —                                  12-1       — 3

6. Williams Valley (11) —                            12-2       — 4

7. Cambria Heights (6) —                           13-1       — 5

8. Ellwood City (7) —                                      10-1       — 10

9. Bedford (5) —                                                  10-4       — 8

10. Schuylkill Haven (11) —                      11-2       — 9

Honorable mention: Farrell (10) 7-6, Richland (6) 10-3, Steelton-Highspire (3) 10-3, Steel Valley (7) 9-4.

CLASS 1A

Rank – Team – District – Record – Previous

1. Fort Cherry (7) —                        14-0       — 1

2. Bishop Guilfoyle (6) —          13-1       — 4

3. Port Allegany (9) —                   13-0       — 5

4. Muncy (4) —                                   12-2       — 6

5. Clairton (7) —                                13-1       — 3

6. Westinghouse (8) —                9-2          — 2

7. Lackawanna Trail (2) —        11-2       — 9

8. Greenville (10) —                       11-2       — 10

9. Wilmington (10) —                    8-3          — 8

10. Delone Catholic (3) —        10-3       — 7

Honorable mention: Bishop Canevin (7) 9-3, Cambridge Springs (10) 9-2, Northern Cambria (6) 11-2, Redbank Valley (9) 9-4, Windber (5) 10-3.

Scenes from Harrisburg’s 42-14 Victory Against Wilson

Deborah Salada
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Scenes from Harrisburg’s 42-14 Victory Against Wilson
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Picks and Predictions for November 22-23

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Picks and Predictions for November 22-23

Standings:

Name: Last Week; Overall

Andy Sandrik: 6-4; 189-53

Andy Shay: 6-4; 186-56

Adam Kulikowski: 5-5; 179-63

District 3-6A Championship

Harrisburg (4) vs. Wilson (2)

at Exeter Township, Saturday, November 23 at 1 p.m.

Andy Shay: Harrisburg 21, Wilson 14: Defense seems to be the key right now for both clubs. When it comes to the second season, is it me or do the Cougars resemble a certain professional football team from Kansas City? Just asking.

Andy Sandrik: Harrisburg 27, Wilson 14: Picking Harrisburg to beat No. 1 Manheim Township last week felt more like a leap of faith than anything else, but after the way the Cougars roughed up the Blue Streaks, I’m much more confident in this pick. 

Adam Kulikowski: Harrisburg 35, Wilson 31:  Harrisburg running back Messiah Mickens is playing his best football in the biggest moments–just what you hope for from one of your blue chip players. Cougars will need another big performance from this lad and his crew to get past a resurgent Bulldogs squad. 

District 3-5A Championship

Bishop McDevitt (6) vs. Exeter Township (8)

at ELCO, Friday, November 22 at 7 p.m.

Andy Shay: Bishop McDevitt 33, Exeter Township 27: Something tells me each offense will get some in this matchup. The better balance and more diversity on that side of the ball gives McD a slight edge. Very slight. 

Andy Sandrik: Bishop McDevitt 36, Exeter Township 18: Exeter Township has been nothing short of locked in this postseason, but if there was ever a team equipped with the big-game experience to finally put the Eagles to bed, it’s McDevitt.

Adam Kulikowski: Bishop McDevitt 34, Exeter Township 21: If Bishop McDevitt can find a way to keep dynamic running back Jayden Zandier under wraps, hoisting another District championship is well within reach. Zandier carved up opponents all season en route to nearly 2,100 yards rushing and 30 touchdowns. 

District 3-4A Championship

Wyomissing vs. Lampeter-Strasburg

at Warwick, Friday, November 22 at 7 p.m.

Andy Shay: Lampeter-Strasburg 28, Wyomissing 14: What the Spartans tend to do to clubs this time of year is EXACTLY the Pioneers’ strength as well. The over under for pass attempts combined is 20 and the brute force of L-S is a tall ask to stop.

Andy Sandrik: Lampeter-Strasburg 24, Wyomissing 17: With two 1,200-yard rushers in the backfield — QB Caileb Howse and RB Dominic Brown — it’s no surprise Lampeter-Strasburg has beaten every it’s faced this season, including Wyomissing. No reason to pick any differently this week. 

Adam Kulikowski: Lampeter-Strasburg 21, Wyomissing 14: Just three weeks ago, the Pioneers handed Wyomissing its second loss of the season. While I normally am hard-pressed to pick against Ross Tucker’s Spartans, the path for the Pioneers to advance is attainable. 

PIAA 6A Quarterfinal:

State College vs. Pittsburgh Central Catholic

at Mansion Park in Altoona, November 22 at 7 p.m.

Andy Shay: Pittsburgh Central Catholic 40, State College 38: This is the matchup where the opposition has just as much horsepower and firepower as the Little Lions. I went back and forth on this one and PCC gets the call in a wild guess.

Andy Sandrik: State College 42, Pittsburgh Central Catholic 36: My understanding is that Pittsburgh Central Catholic has a superb squad, but it’s hard to pick against an SC squad that has dudes like Eddie Corkery, Ty Salazer, and Michael Gaul in the lineup. 

Adam Kulikowski:  Pittsburgh Central Catholic 41, State College 38: Airing it out won’t be an issue for either of these two high-powered offenses–each of which has a more-than-capable QB1.  An off-the-radar X-factor to me is sophomore Pitt linebacker Roman Thomson who leads his crew in tackles with 73 tackles and 14 tackles for loss and four sacks.  

PIAA 4A Quarterfinal:

Juniata vs. Southern Lehigh

at Shamokin, November 22 at 7 p.m.

Andy Shay: Juniata 20, Southern Lehigh 14: I’m not going to pick against the Indians and that defense again when all the indicators are Juniata is up against it. SL clearly has to go out and take the game from these Indians because they don’t surrender much.

Andy Sandrik: Juniata 24, Southern Lehigh 20: I’m leaning on a Juniata defense that is allowing 6.5 points per game this postseason. The Indians’ 27-7 spanking over previously-unbeaten Shamokin Area was a surprise.

Adam Kulikowski: Southern Lehigh 24, Juniata 21: The Indians continue to defy the odds as their playoff run continues another week. Southern Lehigh packs a punch with a four-star tight end and a 2,400 yard passer to get him the rock posing the biggest threats to a Thanksgiving holiday without meaningful football practices.

Eric F. Epler’s State High School Football Rankings: November 19

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Eric F. Epler’s State High School Football Rankings: November 19

CLASS 6A

Rank – Team – District – Record — Previous

1. St. Joseph’s Prep (12) —                        8-2          — 1

2. State College (6) —                                    11-1       — 3

3. Pittsburgh CC (7) —                                   10-2       — 5

4. La Salle College HS (12) —                  10-1       — 4

5. Wilson-West Lawn (3) —                       11-1       — 7

6. Harrisburg (3) —                                           10-2       — 9

7. North Penn (1) —                                          11-2       — NR

8. Central Bucks South (1) —                  12-1       — 2

9. Parkland (11) —                                             11-2       — NR

10. Downingtown West (1) —                  12-1       — NR

Honorable mention: Central Bucks West (1) 10-3, Central York (3) 9-3, Easton Area (11) 10-2, Emmaus (11) 10-3, Imhotep Charter (12) 10-2, Manheim Township (3) 10-2, North Allegheny (7) 10-2.

CLASS 5A

Rank – Team – District – Record – Previous

1. Pine-Richland (7) —                10-1       — 2

2. West Chester Rustin (1) — 12-1      — 3

3. Peters Township (7) —           11-1       — 4

4. Springfield-Delco (1) —       12-1       — 5

5. Bishop McDevitt (3) —          11-2       — 7

6. Exeter Township (3) —           12-1       — NR

7. Upper St. Clair (7) —               11-1       — 1

8. Hollidaysburg (6) —                 12-1       — 8

9. Roman Catholic (12) —        9-4          — 10

10. Mechanicsburg (3) —          11-1       — 6

Honorable mention: Abington Heights (2) 8-3, Bethel Park (7) 10-3, Conestoga Valley (3) 11-1, East Stroudsburg (11) 10-3, Garnet Valley (1) 9-4, Upper Dublin (1) 9-4.

CLASS 4A

Rank – Team – District – Record – Previous

1. Thomas Jefferson (7) —        12-0       — 1

2. Pope John Paul II (1) —          12-1       — 2

3. Lampeter-Strasburg (3) — 12-0       — 3

4. Wyomissing (3) —                      10-2       — 5

5. Clearfield (9) —                           12-0       — 6

6. Bonner-Prendergast (12) – 9-2        — 7

7. Juniata (6) —                                  9-3          — NR

8. Southern Lehigh (11) —       11-2       — 9

9. Shamokin (4) —                           12-1       — 4

10. Aliquippa (7) —                         7-3          — NR

Honorable mention: General McLane (10) 8-3, Jersey Shore (4) 8-4, McKeesport (7) 8-5, Valley View (2) 11-2, Twin Valley (3) 9-3.

CLASS 3A

Rank – Team – District – Record – Previous

1. Danville (4) —                                                  12-0       — 1

2. Northwestern Lehigh (11) —              13-0       — 2

3. Scranton Prep (2) —                                  12-1       — 3

4. Hickory (10) —                                                11-1       — 8

5. Penn Cambria (6) —                                  13-0       — 7

6. Avonworth (7) —                                           10-3       — NR

7. Bermudian Springs (3) —                      11-1       — 9

8. Lewisburg (4) —                                            10-2       — 6

9. Sharon (10) —                                                 11-2       — 5

10. Central Valley (7) —                                7-5          — NR

Honorable mention: Elizabeth-Forward (7) 8-3, Imani Christian (7) 11-1, Trinity (3) 9-3, Western Wayne (2) 10-2, Wyoming Area (2) 11-2.

CLASS 2A

Rank – Team – District – Record – Previous

1. Troy (4) —                              13-0       — 1

2. Central Clarion (9) —                                12-0       — 2

3. Seton-LaSalle (7) —                                  12-0       — 3

4. Williams Valley (11) —                            12-1       — 5

5. Cambria Heights (6) —                           13-0       — 6

6. Riverside (2) —                                               12-1       — 8

7. South Park (7) —                                           11-1       — 9

8. Bedford (5) —                                                  10-3       — NR

9. Schuylkill Haven (11) —                         11-2       — 4

10. Ellwood City (7) —                                                     10-1       — 7

Honorable mention: Farrell (10) 7-6, Richland (6) 10-3, Steelton-Highspire (3) 10-3, Steel Valley (7) 9-4.

CLASS 1A

Rank – Team – District – Record – Previous

1. Fort Cherry (7) —                        13-0       — 1

2. Westinghouse (8) —                9-1          — 2

3. Clairton (7) —                                13-0       — 3

4. Bishop Guilfoyle (6) —          12-1       — 4

5. Port Allegany (9) —                   12-0       — 6

6. Muncy (4) —                                   11-2       — 10

7. Delone Catholic (3) —           10-2       — 9

8. Wilmington (10) —                    8-2          — NR

9. Lackawanna Trail (2) —        11-2       — 5

10. Greenville (10) —                    11-2       — 7

Honorable mention: Bishop Canevin (7) 9-3, Cambridge Springs (10) 9-2, Northern Cambria (6) 11-2, Redbank Valley (9) 9-4, Windber (5) 10-3.

Picks and Predictions for November 15-16

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Picks and Predictions for November 15-16

District 3-6A

Harrisburg (4) at Manheim Township (1)

Andy Shay: Manheim Township 20, Harrisburg 14: Body of work wins the day for me in this game. The Blue Streaks have been the more stable squad. The Cougars are the more volatile squad on any given day.

Andy Sandrik: Harrisburg 32, Manheim Township 27: Manheim Township deserves to be the favorite, here, but Harrisburg has a tendency to play its best football in the postseason. The Blue Streaks will have to up their productivity from last week’s nail-biter over Cumberland Valley to avoid the upset.

Adam Kulikowski: Manheim Township 28, Harrisburg 27: If you’re a fanatic of high school football, this one is a must-see among two of the class goliaths. Give the edge to the Blue Streaks and that stifling defense. 

Central York (3) at Wilson West Lawn (2)

Andy Shay: Wilson West Lawn 28, Central York 21: The more week-to-week battle test side are those Bulldogs, who also happen to be red hot and believe they will win this game. That matters.

Andy Sandrik: Central York 28, Wilson West Lawn 21: How will Wilson’s defense stack up against Central York QB Brooklyn Nace? Dude has thrown for 27 TDs and just three INTs.

Adam Kulikowski: Wilson West Lawn 31, Central York 24:  Wilson enters this bout riding an eight-game winning streak thanks to the strong play of senior quarterback Madyx Gruber who has compiled more than 1,700 yards through the air. 

District 3-5A

Exeter Township (8) at Conestoga Valley (4)

Andy Shay: Exeter Township 31, Conestoga Valley 28: In a rematch where the margins were razor thin the first time around, give me the losing side from the regular season game in this one. Always hard to beat an equal twice. These teams are air-tight equal in my book.

Andy Sandrik: Conestoga Valley 28, Exeter Township 24: This game is a rematch of a Week 9 contest that saw the Buckskins edge the Eagles by one point. This Friday’s game is a coin flip all the way.

Adam Kulikowski: Conestoga Valley 31, Exeter Township 28: These two teams—a combined 22-1 this season—squared off in October in a one-point thriller. It’s difficult to beat the same team twice, but I like the Buckskin’s chances.

Bishop McDevitt (6) at Mechanicsburg (2)

Andy Shay: Bishop McDevitt 34, Mechanicsburg 28: Something tells me the Wildcats will come flying out of the gate … well because that’s what they do. And nobody has been able to track them down. McD is fully capable of tracking them down.

Andy Sandrik: Bishop McDevitt 28, Mechanicsburg 21: I think the overall star power of McDevitt will carry the day, but Mechanicsburg has the weapons to turn this game into a drag-out battle.

Adam Kulikowski: Bishop McDevitt 41, Mechanicsburg 24: The Wildcats might be using the words of local pundits for motivation—and that’s fine by me if that’s what it takes to pull off an upset.

District 3-4A

Twin Valley (5) at Lampeter-Strasburg (1)

Andy Shay: Lampeter-Strasburg 35, Twin Valley 21: Man that sandbox the Pioneers get you into must feel like quicksand to an opposition that wants to get out and go. L-S grinds better than most and that’s hard to beat.

Andy Sandrik: Lampeter-Strasburg 35, Twin Valley 27: Led by a couple of 1,000-yard rushers in Dominic Brown and Caileb Howse, Lampeter-Strasburg has a lineup that can dictate the pace of this game. 

Adam Kulikowski: Lampeter-Strasburg 34, Twin Valley 21: You know Brett Myers’s Twin Valley squad will bring a physical, well-disciplined attack to this one. I just don’t know if they have enough weapons to hang in for the full metal test.

West York (3) at Wyomissing (2)

Andy Shay: Wyomissing 35, West York 14: Is there some special energy drink or something the Spartans consume when the second season starts? They obliterate good teams with alarming consistency.

Andy Sandrik: Wyomissing 35, West York 14: For those wondering if Wyomissing was ready for the postseason after losing its Week 10 game, the answer was a resounding yes, as the Spartans pounded East Pennsboro. It could be more of the same this week.

Adam Kulikowski: Wyomissing 41, West York 20: Betting against the Spartans is rarely a wise choice.

District 3-3A

Trinity (2) vs. Bermudian Springs (1)

at Boiling Springs

Andy Shay: Trinity 28, Bermudian Springs 24: Everything football-wise about this matchup points to the Eagles holding serve as the No. 1 seed. The house money that is the 2024 T-Rocks season reaches an apex in a wild and wacky way is my call.

Andy Sandrik: Trinity 24, Bermudian Springs 21: Christian Joy was held under 100 yards rushing for just the third time this season, but Trinity still found a way to win over a hard-nosed Schuylkill Valley squad. Look for Joy to get back on track in a big way against Bermudian Springs this week.

Adam Kulikowski: Trinity 28, Bermudian Springs 24:  Both teams have been on a Cinderella run of sorts all season. While a compelling case might be made for either team, I’ll side with the Shamrocks who have arguably the best athlete on the field in back Christian Joy.

PIAA-2A

Steelton-Highspire vs. Bedford

at Claysburg-Kimmel 

Andy Shay: Steel-High 35, Bedford 21: It’s those 5-6 plays that turn into explosive game changers that will propel the Rollers past a game and capable Bedford squad. If they find them harder than normal to find, it will be a dog fight of the highest caliber.

Andy Sandrik: Steel-High 33, Bedford 28: You know, if you just casually followed high school football, you’d look at Steel-High’s body of work this season and just assume the Rollers possess the same core of players they always have. That’s a huge compliment to coach Andrew Erby’s new-look team, who have more than earned their stripes this fall.

Adam Kulikowski: Steel-High 28, Bedford 23: You get the sense that this Rollers club has a bit of a chip on their shoulder after many wrote them off heading into the 2024 circuit. From my seat, that fuel has paid huge dividends.

PIAA-4A

Juniata vs. Shamokin Area

Andy Shay: Shamokin Area 28, Juniata 14: There is a balance to Shamokin that is just good enough to stretch the Indians’ defense a little thin that your average week-to-week team. The difference on the scoreboard comes into play late, though.

Andy Sandrik: Juniata 21, Shamokin Area 14: I’ve been preaching about Juniata’s defensive prowess all season, and that unit will be needed more than ever against a balanced Shamokin side.

Adam Kulikowski: Shamokin Area 31, Juniata 28: Shamokin Area enters this battle of the Indians with plenty of firepower, including a 1,600-yard passer in sophomore Logan Steele and a 1,200-yard back in junior Jayce Ginck.

PIAA-6A

State College vs. Williamsport

Andy Shay: State College 45, Williamsport 20: What I love about the Little Lions is they can play any style of game and win. If they get their foot on the gas first, it’s lights out. And SC has been finding the gas early and often for a couple months now, right?

Andy Sandrik: State College 43, Williamsport 21: Little Lions QB Eddie Corkery hit 30 passing TDs for the season after connecting on three scoring strikes against McDowell last week. Corkery and State College should get the job done this Friday, as well.

Adam Kulikowski: State College 33, Williamsport 24: Expect the newest member of the 100-win club, State College coach Matt Lintal, to add another Dub to his tally.

Eric F. Epler’s State High School Football Rankings: November 12

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Eric F. Epler’s State High School Football Rankings: November 12

CLASS 6A

Rank – Team – District – Record — Previous

1. St. Joseph’s Prep (12) —                        7-2          — 2

2. Central Bucks South (1) —                  12-0       — 3

3. State College (6) —                                    10-1       — 4

4. La Salle College HS (12) —                  10-1       — 1

5. Pittsburgh CC (7) —                                   9-2          — 6

6. Imhotep Charter (12) —                         10-1       — 5

7. Wilson-West Lawn (3) —                       10-1       — 7

8. North Allegheny (7) —                              10-1       — 10

9. Harrisburg (3) —                                           9-2          — NR

10. Emmaus (11) —                                         10-2       — NR

Teams to watch: Central Bucks West (1) 10-2, Central York (3) 9-2, Downingtown West (1) 11-1, Manheim Township (3) 10-1, North Penn (1) 10-2, Parkland (11) 10-2.

CLASS 5A

Rank – Team – District – Record – Previous

1. Upper St. Clair (7) —               11-0       — 2

2. Pine-Richland (7) —                9-1          — 3

3. West Chester Rustin (1) — 11-1      — 4

4. Peters Township (7) —           10-1       — 5

5. Springfield-Delco (1) —       11-1       — 6

6. Mechanicsburg (3) —             11-0       — 7

7. Bishop McDevitt (3) —          10-2       — 8

8. Hollidaysburg (6) —                 11-1       — 10

9. Conestoga Valley (3) —        11-0       — NR

10. Roman Catholic (12) —    8-4          — NR

Teams to watch: Abington Heights (2) 8-4, Bethel Park (7) 10-2, East Stroudsburg South (11) 10-2, Garnet Valley (1) 9-3, Upper Dublin (1) 9-3.

CLASS 4A

Rank – Team – District – Record – Previous

1. Thomas Jefferson (7) —        11-0       — 1

2. Pope John Paul II (1) —          11-1       — 2

3. Lampeter-Strasburg (3) — 11-0       — 3

4. Shamokin (4) —                           12-0       — 4

5. Wyomissing (3) —                      9-2          — 6

6. Clearfield (9) —                           11-0       — 7

7. Bonner-Prendergast (12) – 8-2        — 8

8. Valley View (2) —                        11-1       — NR

9. Southern Lehigh (11) —       10-2       — NR

10. McKeesport (7) —                  8-4          — NR

Teams to watch: Bethlehem Catholic (11) 6-6, General McLane (10) 8-2, Juniata (6) 8-3, Twin Valley (3) 9-2.

CLASS 3A

Rank – Team – District – Record – Previous

1. Danville (4) —                                                  11-0       — 1

2. Northwestern Lehigh (11) —              12-0       — 2

3. Scranton Prep (2) —                                  11-1       — 3

4. Imani Christian (7) —                               11-0       — 4

5. Sharon (10) —                                                 11-1       — 5

6. Lewisburg (4) —                                            10-1       — 6

7. Penn Cambria (6) —                                  12-0       — 7

8. Hickory (10) —                                                10-1       — 8

9. Bermudian Springs (3) —                      10-1       — 9

10. Trinity (3) —                                                    9-2          — 10

Teams to watch: Avonworth (7) 9-3, Conwell-Egan (12) 8-3, Elizabeth-Forward (7) 8-3, Wyoming Area (2) 11-1.

CLASS 2A

Rank – Team – District – Record – Previous

1. Troy (4) —                              12-0       — 1

2. Central Clarion (9) —                                11-0       — 2

3. Seton-LaSalle (7) —                                  11-0       — 3

4. Schuylkill Haven (11) —                         11-1       — 4

5. Williams Valley (11) —                            11-1       — 5

6. Cambria Heights (6) —                           12-0       — 6

7. Ellwood City (7) —                                      10-0       — 7

8. Riverside (2) —                                               11-1       — 8

9. South Park (7) —                                           10-1       — 9

10. Steelton-Highspire (3) —                   10-2       — 10

Teams to watch: Bedford (5) 9-3, Farrell (10) 7-5, Richland (6) 10-2, Steel Valley (7) 9-3.

CLASS 1A

Rank – Team – District – Record – Previous

1. Fort Cherry (7) —                        12-0       — 1

2. Westinghouse (8) —                8-1          — 2

3. Clairton (7) —                                12-0       — 3

4. Bishop Guilfoyle (6) —          11-1       — 4

5. Lackawanna Trail (2) —        11-1       — 5

6. Port Allegany (9) —                   11-0       — 6

7. Greenville (10) —                       11-1       — 7

8. Bishop Canevin (7) —            9-2          — 8

9. Delone Catholic (3) —           9-2          — 9

10. Muncy (4) —                                10-2       — NR

Teams to watch: Jeannette (7) 9-3, Northern Cambria (6) 11-1, Redbank Valley (9) 9-3, Wilmington (10) 7-2, Windber (5) 10-2.

Results: Picks and Predictions for November 8-9

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Results: Picks and Predictions for November 8-9

Standings:

Name: Week 11; Overall

Andy Sandrik: 13-1; 167-47

Andy Shay: 13-1; 166-48

Adam Kulikowski: 13-1; 159-55

District 3-6A

Manheim Township (1) 14, Cumberland Valley (8) 7

Andy Shay: Manheim Township 35, Cumberland Valley 21: There was a clear cut advantage up front on both sides of the ball for the Blue Streaks in that Week 1 tussle. How do you change that?

Andy Sandrik: Manheim Township 35, Cumberland Valley 14: While Manheim Township’s Week 10 loss to Wilson caught me a little off guard, I’ll go with the collective body of work put together by the Blue Streaks and confidently take them over the Eagles this week.

Adam Kulikowski: Manheim Township 38, Cumberland Valley 24: Way back on Week 1, Manheim Township knocked off the Eagles easily. This is not the same Cumberland Valley squad, but completely closing the gap is still a tall task. 

Dallastown (5) at Harrisburg (4) 

Saturday, November 9 at 1 p.m.

Andy Shay: Andy Shay: Harrisburg 34, Dallastown 20: The journey that has been the 2024 Harrisburg season has been a roller coaster. Cougars have big game second season pedigree, though. And they will need it. For if they leave the door ajar this Dallastown will kick said door down.

Andy Sandrik: Harrisburg 42, Dallastown 21: Harrisburg 34, Dallastown 20: We talk a lot about what Messiah Mickens means to Harrisburg as a running back, but did you know he’s stacked up 12 sacks and 18 QB hurries from the defensive side of the ball? 

Adam Kulikowski: Harrisburg  28, Dallastown 21:  Harrisburg is the more battle tested team as we head into the second week of postseason play. That pays dividends in the biggest moments. 

Wilson (2) 28, Cedar Crest (7) 3

Andy Shay: Wilson 31, Cedar Crest 14: I like this Falcons squad and know they are a couple players short of the next level. Wilson is that next level and the Bulldogs defense is running the show.

Andy Sandrik: Wilson 21, Cedar Crest 7: It’s tough to beat a team twice in a season, but Wilson seems poised to do just that this weekend.

Adam Kulikowski: Wilson 33, Cedar Crest 17:  The Bulldogs sure do seem like they are back to the perennial powerhouse that we are used to seeing. Doug Dahm’s troops are riding a seven-game heater heading into this matchup with the Eagles. Credit its stingy defense which has yielded just over 13 points per game.

Central York (3) 47, Central Dauphin East (6) 14

Andy Shay: Central York 42, Central Dauphin East 21: If nothing else the Panthers are going to take their shots and go all out. Just not sure the CDE defense can stand up. Look, neither defense in this one is all that and a box of chocolates so could get crazy.

Andy Sandrik: Central York 38, Central Dauphin East 21: In a different week I’d call this a toss-up, but East High is limping in with three-straight losses, while Central York has gotten in the habit of blowing teams out.

Adam Kulikowski: Central York 41, Central Dauphin East 31: I fully expect this one to be a wild shootout as both teams are capable of playing a wideout style of play. Difference to me is Brooklyn Nace, the CY junior quarterback with 2,000 passing yards and just three picks to his name.

District 3-5A

Exeter Township (8) 24, New Oxford (1) 21

Andy Shay: New Oxford 28, Exeter Township 20: Man, how would you like to be the No. 1 seed and see this outfit as the No. 8 you get in the second round. The bye matters, though.

Andy Sandrik: New Oxford 27, Exeter Township 24: This doesn’t have the feel of a typical 1 vs. 8 matchup. I’m expecting a battle from beginning to end.

Adam Kulikowski: Exeter Township 24, New Oxford 21: If you love defense, this just might be the match up to punch a ticket to as neither team is yielding more than 10 points per game heading into this fray. 

Conestoga Valley (4) 35, Shippensburg (5) 24

Andy Shay: Conestoga Valley 30, Shippensburg 14: I don’t think the Greyhounds are overmatched decisively here, just not sure if they way they are built that Ship can keep pace with the Buckskins. If it becomes a game in a sandbox, advantage Hounds.

Andy Sandrik: Conestoga Valley 21, Shippensburg 14: Judging from the stats, this game appears to be a battle of contrasting styles between the Greyhounds, who like to pound the ball, and the Buckskins, who like to sling the ball around a little bit with QB Sawyer Esbenshade.

Adam Kulikowski: Conestoga Valley 34, Shippensburg 28: Tough matchup for Shippensburg who must game plan for a gunslinger with seven legit weapons for QB Sawyer Esbenshade to target. 

Mechanicsburg (2) 42, Cocalico (7) 3

Andy Shay: Mechanicsburg 38, Cocalico 28: How do the Wildcats respond when they get a full metal jacket test at the next level. This will be new territory for them. They LOVE to dictate the pace and outcome. Eagles will make it more difficult.

Andy Sandrik: Mechanicsburg 42, Cocalico 27: The Mechanicsburg train has to come to a stop some time, right? Just don’t think it’s this week.

Adam Kulikowski: Mechanicsburg 34, Cocalico 24:  Mechanicsburg has the ability to force the ground-centric Cocalico Eagles out of its comfort zone early with a quick start. But if this one is close heading into the fourth quarter, that makes Cocalico much more lethal with its pair of 1,000-yard rushers. 

Bishop McDevitt (6) 42, Conrad Weiser (3) 7

Andy Shay: Bishop McDevitt 35, Conrad Weiser 20: I feel confident the Crusaders can win this matchup. And they possibly might blow the Scouts out of the water. Just not sure how this plays out other than the final result.

Andy Sandrik: Bishop McDevitt 42, Conrad Weiser 24: I’m excited to see how McDevitt can fare in the postseason after navigating an unforgiving regular season schedule in the Commonwealth. 

Adam Kulikowski: Bishop McDevitt 45, Conrad Weiser 20: The Crusaders might be the lower seed, but they certainly are not the underdogs in this matchup. 

District 3-4A

Lampeter-Strasburg (1) 42, ELCO (8) 7

Andy Shay: Lampeter-Strasburg 44, ELCO 7: OMGOSH did Andy S. and I just pick the identical score. That was not intentional. Guess we kinda see this one the same.

Andy Sandrik: Lampeter-Strasburg 44, ELCO 7: The Pioneers have too many big wins, including a Week 10 scalp over Wyomissing, for me to consider any result other than a blowout.

Adam Kulikowski: Lampeter-Strasburg 43, ELCO 14:  If you’re looking for an X-factor in this matchup, look no further than Pioneers dual-threat QB Caileb Howse who has run and thrown for nearly 2,400 combined yards. 

Twin Valley (5) 47, Susquehanna Twp. (4) 19

Andy Shay: Susquehanna Township 34, Twin Valley 28: A few cracks in the defensive seam were revealed later in the TV season and The Tribe know where to go to find what they are looking for. This is still a dangerous game for both clubs.

Andy Sandrik: Susquehanna Twp. 32, Twin Valley 24: Because of that Week 3 forfeit Boiling Springs, Hanna comes into the playoffs a little bit under-seeded. The Tribe have all of the pieces of a team that could go on a postseason run.

Adam Kulikowski: Susquehanna Twp. 43, Twin Valley 30: Both teams possess an 8-2 record heading into this matchup, but the strength of the Indians schedule should ensure this team is ready for the intensity of playoff football.

East Pennsboro (7) at Wyomissing (2)

Andy Shay: Wyomissing 35, East Pennsboro 17: This is the second season and Wyo gets busy making hopeful teams with some quality to them look rather silly. Not sure the Panthers have all the requisite parts to make this a 48 minute affair.

Andy Sandrik: Wyomissing 38, East Pennsboro 14: The Panthers have earned so much respect over the course of the season, but will have their hands more than full against a Wyomissing program that has been dismantling opposing District 3 programs for years.

Adam Kulikowski: Wyomissing 41, East Pennsboro 17:  The Spartans have seemed a little more vulnerable this year. But I’m not sure they aren’t still the District 3-4A favorite. 

West York (3) 5, Eastern York (6) 3

Andy Shay: Eastern York 23, West York 21: I’m taking the underdog in the rematch between the York Geography Lesson schools.

Andy Sandrik: West York 24, Eastern York 18: Everything about this game suggests it will be a coin-flip contest, much like it was in Week 6, when the Bulldogs secured a 20-18 win over the Golden Knights.

Adam Kulikowski: Eastern York 28, West York 14: In their Week 6 match up, Eastern York limited West York to less that 100 total yards of offense. Do that again and the scoreboard should light up in their favor. 

District 3-3A

Bermudian Springs (1) 42, Berks Catholic (5) 25

Andy Shay: Andy Shay: Berks Catholic 24, Bermudian Springs 22: Taking the more battle tested squad in a next level game in an upset of the top seed.

Andy Sandrik: Bermudian Springs 24, Berks Catholic 21: I like what I see on both sides of the ball from Eagles RB/LB Eddie Sebright. Mark Bermudian Springs down for its 10th-straight win. 

Adam Kulikowski: Bermudian Springs 31, Berks Catholic 28: Bermudian Springs is enjoying its best campaign since 2018. Keeping the good times rolling this week will take their best effort.

Trinity (2) 20, Schuylkill Valley (3) 17

Andy Shay: Trinity 31, Schuylkill Valley 24: Going with the Shamrocks because for them this will be just another game where they get to prove themselves, right?

Andy Sandrik: Trinity 28, Schuylkill Valley 21: When you look at this battle-hardened Trinity squad, it’s hard to believe most media outlets had the Shamrocks program left for dead before the season even started. 

Adam Kulikowski: Trinity 34, Schuylkill Valley 28: Trinity shined when no one else thought they could. Can they carry that chip on their shoulder throughout this playoff run? 

District 3-2A

Steelton-Highspire (1) 36, Lancaster Catholic (2) 7

Andy Shay: Steelton-Highspire 28, Lancaster Catholic 20: Until somebody knocks off the Rollers in the second season, I’m riding the Rollers train. This is sticky wicket game, though.

Andy Sandrik: Steel-High 35, Lancaster Catholic 21: This young group of Rollers has a golden opportunity to defend at least one of the program’s championships on Friday. 

Adam Kulikowski: Steel-High 28, Lancaster Catholic 20: In a rebuilding year, the Rollers are still prepping to defend its District 3 championship. Well done, lads. 

District 4-1A

Muncy (1) 42, Line Mountain (2) 6

Andy Shay: Muncy 34, Line Mountain 21: This is a tough road for LM to navigate. This Muncy squad doesn’t get tested much, but they have been methodic and consistent in their dismantling of opponents.

Andy Sandrik: Muncy 33, Line Mountain 26: According to MaxPreps, Muncy is averaging 37.5 points in the first half of its games and just 3.5 points in the second half. That tells me that the Indians are beating their opponents so convincingly, they have to call off the dogs before things get ugly. Tough matchup for LM, for sure. 

Adam Kulikowski: Line Mountain 34, Muncy 31: The Eagles have scored more than 40 points in five of its last six games. They’ll need to keep the offense rolling against a stout Muncy squad.

District 6-6A

State College (1) 35, McDowell 7

Andy Shay: State College 45, McDowell 20: Something tells me this one could be a done deal by halftime. Little Lions are sitting on a big run I suspect.

Andy Sandrik: State College 42, McDowell 14: State College will be scouting McDowell this week, but I haven’t been. That’s how good the Little Lions were in the Commonwealth Division this fall. 

Adam Kulikowski: State College 48, McDowell 20: State College wideout Ty Salazar has wreaked havoc on opponents all season, racking up more than 1,100 yards on 59 receptions. Can McDowell find an answer to slow down Eddit Corkery’s favorite target? 

District 6-4A

Bellefonte (2) vs. Juniata (1) at Altoona’s Mansion Park

Andy Shay: Juniata 28, Bellefonte 14: All aboard the Juniata defense shows up big time in a playoff game train. I got my ticket. Make sure you get yours.

Andy Sandrik: Juniata 24, Bellefonte 17: With a defense that boasts 14 interceptions — including six from Jasper Shepps and four from Connor Boreman — Juniata could very well turn this into a one-dimensional game for Bellefonte.

Adam Kulikowski: Juniata 31, Bellefonte 24: Bellefonte possesses a balanced offensive attack with a 1,000-yard passer and three running backs who each have rushed for more than 400 yards. Juniata’s calling-card defense will need to hold true to keep this one close.

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