PIAA Quarterfinal Preview Class A

[konjo78]

Eastern Side of bracket

Homer Center vs Steelton-Highshire: Hershey Park PA

This is one of the two local games for my region(d6/5) this week so i will dive into it first. On one side we see a strong wildcat team that is on a roll. They have beaten the 2 favorite teams from D6 by double digits both games. They feature a 3 headed giant running combo, with their fullback Newhouse and their Runnning back Lee being main features. But focus on those two and QB Berzansky will burn you on a run or a pass.

Steelton-Highspire has had a pretty dominate year. Only playing 2 games close they are looking to add another state championship. interesting enough their only loss came from a double forfeit brawl. They have yet to be defeated in a 48 minute football game. They are a run based team much like homer center, putting up near 3000 yards for the season. But don't think they can't pass, with around 1000 yards passing for the season they strike when they need to.

This game is going to come down to ball control, field position and turnovers. I expect a game that resembles last years quarterfinal between these districts.

Steelton-Highshire wins 24-21


Old Forge vs Schuylkill Haven: Eagle Nest, Blue Mountain High school

Old Forge has only lost once this year and that was to a very good Dunmore team in the regular season. in their rematch they were able to win 27-7 against top ranked Dunmore. Then last week they took out previously #1 ranked Southern Columbia in a defensive game. Old forge might be the school who has been battle tested the most this season, and the new favorite to win Class A.

Now Schulykill Haven wants to prove upsets can happen. They come into this game only losing 3 games to AA opponents. They just blew out Bristol at the Eagle Nest and have yet to be challenged this post season. Their offense is explosive to say the least but running into a tough old forge defense presents its own challenge.

I expect Old Forge to continue their defensive streak and cool down his hot team.

Old Forge 27-14


Western Side of Bracket

North Catholic vs Tussey Mountain: Hampton High School

North Catholic has the task to bring another state championship to the WPIAL. They were almost the quiet powerhouse this year with everyone concentrating on Clairton and Sto Rox. They have yet to lose and their defense is by far the best on the western side. Though it'll be interesting if they are caught looking ahead to a match up with offensive powerhouse clarion and could let this game slip

Tussey Mountain has two losses to very good teams. They have really hit their stride at the end of the season, blowing out a very good Berlin team in d5 championship. Their defense is strong and could keep them in position to win this game late.

This battle will almost be like the d5 championship, a battle of field position. Starting at the 50 to the 10 could lead to a blowout score but i expect a pure defensive battle. North Catholic is too strong though in my opinion and will pull this game out in the 4th.

North Catholic 28-7


Clarion vs Lakeview: Slippery Rock University

If you are wondering who may have the best offense in class A well i say go to this game to find out. Both teams have been putting up huge numbers offensively throughout the playoffs, while their defense has kept teams to near nothing points wise.

Clarion is probably wondering why they are not mentioned with North Catholic, Steelton-Highshire or Old forge as Class A threats. Their offense is strong but maybe their defense is even stronger. They have only allowed 12 points this postseason while averaging of 50 points per game.


Lakeview is almost a mirror Image of Clarion when looking at past games. their only lost to mercer was revenged in the playoffs with a 52-21 win. They haven't held teams to a small amount of points like Clarion but their offense speaks for itself.

This game is the Must see game of the weekend for Class A. The offenses are sure to dazzle and entertain. I am going to give this Clarion team the edge in a shootout at The Rock.

Clarion 49-28



What are you thoughts? Who do you Think will play their way into the semi finals?

[PApride]

I agree with all the predictions, but Ik ur a heritage fan and everything but once it comes this far in the season I root for anyone in D5 D6, but I am also a realist, SH 40 HC 7, I don't think they have seen the speed SH will have and it will overwhelm them

[konjo78]

Thanks PApride. Its tough. D3 isn't an overally impressive district and d6 has had their number recently. I also feel like this years D6 A class was very strong. Any of the top 6 teams could of won it this year or even previous years.

[PApride]

Ik D3 is usually weak in football but somehow these highspire teams are so freakishly athletic

[konjo78]

The team I look at to steal the show this year is clarion. They score and play great defense. and with all the talk pointed at other teams they are going unnoticed.

[PApride]

Agreed, but I watched north catholic twice this year and they are very talented

[Winchell]

NC is the top A team in the state and played a very tough WPIAL schedule. Tussey had a good run, and hopefully the seniors go out by having a good game. I think the most important thing is that Tussey gets out injury free. When it comes down to it this game is gonna be just like other ICC vs WPIAL matchup in recent history.

NC 63
TM 13

[konjo78]

I don't know wichell if you had looked at north catholics schedule but they don't score very many points, and i don't expect that to start now. if NC puts up 63 it would probably surprise NC fans more than anyone else.

[PApride]

I wouldn't say NC is the top team in the state, and they won't put up anything higher then 35 points, they are challenged on offense, defense is def their strong suit

[Winchell]

Konjo, I'm basing it off the fact that its an undefeated WPIAL team. They are averaging like 30 points against tough teams. WPIAL football is quite a bit better than ICC. I'd bet that it is possible that this is their easiest game of the year.
PaPride, I'm basing that off the maxpreps ranking system...they are #1