Pennsylvania High School Football Games of the Week: Aug. 21-23

The Pennsylvania high school football season kicks off this week with a slate of exciting matchups. The schedule is highlighted by a clash between two of the state’s top four teams, a contest that will set the tone for the season. In addition, three Keystone State squads will test their mettle on the road against out-of-state opponents, adding an intriguing element of state pride to the opening week.

No. 1 St. Joseph’s Prep School vs. American Heritage (Fla.)

When: Friday, Aug. 22 at 6 p.m. ET
Where: Brian Piccolo Memorial Stadium, Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

This is technically a neutral site game as part of the Broward County Classic High School Football Showcase. Technically. American Heritage plays its home football games just 10 miles from Brian Piccolo Memoria Stadium, while St. Joseph’s Prep‘s home contests are, ahem, a little further away.

This will mark the first-ever meeting between these two national powers. The Hawks are the top-ranked team in Pennsylvania according to Massey, while the Patriots are No. 9 in Florida. Both teams will be looking to make a statement right out of the gates in front of a national ESPN2 audience.

Five-star Texas Longhorn commit Dia Bell leads a potent American Heritage offensive attack that averaged 30.9 points per game in 2024. The Patriots’ defense will have its hands full with a St. Joseph’s offense that features junior quarterback Charlie Foulke and sophomore receiver Jett Harrison, the son of NFL Hall of Famer Marvin Harrison.

Massey Prediction: St. Joseph’s Prep 35, American Heritage 14

No. 7 Roman Catholic at Providence Day School (N.C.)

When: Friday, Aug. 22 at 7 p.m. ET
Where: Overcash Stadium, Charlotte, N.C.

This match-up features a pair of state title contenders with future FBS quarterbacks. Roman Catholic quarterback Semaj Beals, who committed to Akron over the summer, is coming off of an outstanding junior campaign in which he threw for 4,135 yards, 50 touchdowns and just three interceptions for the Class 5A runner-ups. He’s aiming for an even more prolific and successful senior season.

Providence Day School, ranked No. 8 in North Carolina, is led by Zaid Lott. The three-star signal caller threw for 2,869 yards, 28 touchdowns and six interceptions as a junior. Lott was a longtime North Carolina commitment but flipped to Syracuse in March. He’ll have help on offense from Clemson commits Leo Delaney (offensive line) and Gordon Sellars (receiver).

Massey Prediction: Providence Day School 35, Roman Catholic 26

No. 5 Pine-Richland at Findlay (Ohio)

When: Friday, Aug. 22 at 7 p.m. ET
Where: Donnell Stadium, Findlay, Ohio

Pine-Richland will head east into Ohio to take on a Findlay team looking to rebound from a 4-7 mark in 2024. The Rams are among the most talented teams in the Pennsylvania high school football ranks, so it will be interesting to see if the Trojans can keep this one competitive.

Quarterback Aaron Strader returns after leading the offense a year ago and he’ll have a new target in the passing game. Four-star Penn State receiver commit Khalil Taylor, who transferred in from Seton LaSalle over the offseason, was finally ruled eligible to play for the regular season on Monday.

This one shouldn’t be all that close but stranger things have happened.

Massey Prediction: Pine-Richland 35, Findlay 6

No. 2 La Salle College at No. 4 Central Catholic

When: Friday, Aug. 22 at 8 p.m. ET
Where: The Wolvarena, Turtle Creek, Pa.

This is a doozy of a Week 1 matchup in Pennsylvania featuring two of the state’s top four teams.

La Salle College returns the core of a team that went 10-1 and finished the 2024 season ranked No. 2 in Pennsylvania. Three-star senior quarterback Gavin Sidwar, a Missouri commit, passed for 2,747 yards, 31 touchdowns and six interceptions a year ago. Four-star Notre Dame offensive tackle pledge Grayson McKeogh will work to keep Sidwar’s jersey clean, while three-star Temple tight end commit John-Patrick Oates returns to make plays in the passing game. Future Irish safety Joey O’Brien is set to anchor the Explorers’ defense.

Central Catholic, meanwhile, were the runner-up last year in Pennsylvania’s 6A classification. The Vikings return a talented club, too, especially along the lines of scrimmage. Four-star junior Jimmy Kalis is one of the best offensive tackles in the state, while three-star North Carolina edge rusher Ashton Blatt is extremely disruptive. Three-star linebacker Colsen Gatten will play at Duke after his senior season, and three-star defensive lineman Angelo Pugliano projects to be a playmaker for Western Michigan.

The result of this game will likely reverberate through the season.

Massey Prediction: La Salle College 35, Central Catholic 21

No. 6 Harrisburg vs. No. 20 Imhotep Institute

When: Saturday, Aug. 23 at 7:30 p.m. ET
Where: John Harris Severance Field, Harrisburg, Pa.

These two teams are meeting for the first time since 2017, a 33-14 Harrisburg victory.

It’s not difficult to envision a similar result on Saturday. The Cougars reached the state semifinals last season and are expected to build on that this fall. Their offense is especially stacked. A pair of four-star Penn State commits – running back Messiah Mickens and interior offensive lineman Kevin Brown – lead the way, but three-star receiver Elias Coke and three-star running back D’Antae Sheffey are dangerous playmakers as well. Mickens rushed for 1,725 yards and 22 scores as a junior.

Imhotep Institute is coming off of a 10-2 season that ended in the playoffs with a loss to eventual state champion St. Joseph’s Preps. Three-star running back Sy’eer Coleman is the star of the show now for the Panthers. He ran for 405 yards and five touchdowns in a reserve role last year.

Massey Prediction: Harrisburg 35, Imhotep Institute 15

How to Follow Pennsylvania High School Football

For Pennsylvania high school football fans, staying updated on the action is now easier than ever with the Rivals High School Scoreboard. This comprehensive resource provides real-time updates and final scores from across the state, ensuring you never miss a moment of the Friday night frenzy. From nail-biting finishes to dominant performances, the Rivals High School Scoreboard is your one-stop destination for tracking all the gridiron excitement in the Keystone State.