Avonworth Wins First State Title in Class 3A Rematch Against Northwestern Lehigh
MECHANICSBURG, Pa. — A year ago, Avonworth saw its quest for the program’s first state title come up one play short in a heartbreaking overtime loss to Northwestern Lehigh. It was only right that the Antelopes would get another crack at the Tigers as the two met in a Class 3A PIAA championship rematch Saturday.
This time, the 3A championship did not need overtime or hang on one pivotal play. Instead, Avonworth jumped on Northwestern Lehigh quickly and dominated play on both sides of the ball to secure a 31-7 victory over the Tigers at Chapman Field.
With the win, Avonworth captured its first-ever state championship. It lost in the previous two appearances to Northwestern Lehigh in 2024, 36-33, and Southern Columbia in 2019. The Antelopes capped off a perfect 15-0 season.
Northwestern Lehigh saw its 31-game win streak come to an end. The last time the Tigers fell came against the WPIAL’s Belle Vernon in the 2023 state title game.
Avonworth’s wide receiver-running back duo of Jaden Jones and Luca Neal were exceptional for the Antelopes.
Jones, a sophomore, was a big-play threat for the Antelopes all afternoon long as he pulled down a number of tough catches while covered by Tiger defenders. Jones caught seven passes for 187 yards and a touchdown.
The always reliable Neal carved up the Tigers defense with 123 yards and three touchdowns on 21 rushes. He also added 61 receiving yards on two receptions and paced the Antelopes’ defense with six tackles.
Quarterback Carson Bellinger finished 9-of-11 for 248 yards, a touchdown and two interceptions. Northwestern Lehigh quarterback Shane Leh went 12-of-28 for 139 yards, no touchdowns, one interception and was sacked twice. Avonworth out-gained the Tigers 363-187.
Avonworth made a statement on its first offensive play of the game as Bellinger went up top to Jones in one-on-one coverage. The 6-3, 180-pound Jones gained a cushion on the defensive back, pulled in the pass and walked in for a 53-yard touchdown.
Northwestern Lehigh’s first drive of the game went nowhere on three plays, but the Tigers engineered a methodical drive the second time around. It was a balanced approach for the Tigers. Braxton Lakatosh picked up chunks on the ground, while Leh connected with Mason Bollinger through the air, including a 21-yard reception down to the Avonworth 2.
The five minute, six second drive was polished off by a Lakatosh 2-yard rushing score for his 16th score on the ground this season.
As the first half progressed, Avonworth played shutdown defense and forced a fumble that halted the Tigers’ best drive of the second quarter.
Avonworth stuck by its formula of linking up with Jones or Neal in the receiving game for substantial gains before feeding Neal the ball in the red zone.
Neal punched in touchdown runs of eight and nine yards after receptions of 46 yards to Neal and 36 to Jones, respectively.
Avonworth made it 24-7 prior to halftime with a field goal from Calder Mahan.
The third quarter was a defensive battle with Avonworth attempting to chew as much clock as possible. However, the Antelopes gave away the ball twice with an interception and fumble by Neal giving the Tigers a pair of extra possessions.
Still, Northwestern Lehigh failed to capitalize as the Tigers threw an interception and were stuffed on a fourth down attempt late in the third quarter.
Avonworth padded its lead with a Neal 8-yard touchdown as he weaved through the Tigers defense on the direct score to make it 31-7 with 9:01 to go in the fourth quarter.
Avonworth adds the second state title of the 2025 season for WPIAL teams after Clairton defeated Bishop Guilfoyle in the Class 1A title game.
