Pennsylvania has a long and storied history of high school football, with numerous programs and rivalries that have captured the hearts and minds of fans across the state. From the coal regions of the northeast to the steel towns of the west, high school football is more than just a game – it’s a way of life.
St. Joseph’s Prep (Philadelphia)
St. Joseph’s Preparatory School, affectionately known as “The Prep,” has established itself as a powerhouse in Pennsylvania high school football. Located in the heart of Philadelphia, this private Catholic high school has a long-standing tradition of excellence both on and off the field.
Program History
St. Joseph’s Prep first opened its doors in 1851, but it wasn’t until the early 1900s that the school began to make a name for itself in football. The program’s first notable success came in 1929, when the team went undefeated and claimed the Catholic League title.
Over the years, The Prep has continued to build on this foundation of success, producing numerous standout players and coaches. Some of the most notable figures in the program’s history include:
- Gil Brooks: Head coach from 1958-1978, Brooks led The Prep to five Catholic League titles and a 144-43-8 record during his tenure.
- Jim Algeo: Head coach from 1979-1989, Algeo guided the team to three Catholic League championships and a 91-25-2 record.
- Gabe Infante: Current head coach, Infante has led The Prep to seven state titles since taking over in 2010.
Recent Dominance
While St. Joseph’s Prep has a long history of success, the program has reached new heights in recent years under the leadership of head coach Gabe Infante. Since Infante took the helm in 2010, the Hawks have become a dominant force in Pennsylvania high school football, winning seven state championships in the last decade.
The team’s most impressive run came from 2018-2020, when they won three consecutive PIAA Class 6A state titles. During this stretch, The Prep established itself as one of the top programs not just in Pennsylvania, but in the entire country. After winning the 2020 state championship, the Hawks were ranked No. 4 in the nation by MaxPreps.
Notable Players
St. Joseph’s Prep has produced numerous standout players over the years, many of whom have gone on to success at the collegiate and professional levels. Some of the most notable alumni include:
- Steve Joachim: Quarterback who led The Prep to a Catholic League title in 1969 before going on to play at Temple University.
- Rich Gannon: Quarterback who played for The Prep in the early 1980s before going on to a successful NFL career, including being named NFL MVP in 2002.
- Jon Daniel Runyan: Offensive lineman who played for The Prep in the early 2010s before going on to play at the University of Michigan and being drafted by the Green Bay Packers in 2020.
- D’Andre Swift: Running back who played for The Prep from 2015-2016 before going on to star at the University of Georgia and being drafted by the Detroit Lions in 2020.
School and Program Culture
St. Joseph’s Prep is known not just for its success on the football field, but also for its strong academic reputation and commitment to developing well-rounded student-athletes. The school’s motto, “Men for Others,” emphasizes the importance of service, leadership, and character.
This culture of excellence extends to the football program, where players are expected to excel both on and off the field. The team’s success is built on a foundation of hard work, discipline, and attention to detail, with coaches and players alike buying into a shared vision of greatness.
The Prep’s football program also benefits from strong support from the school and local community. Home games at Widener University’s Quick Stadium are often packed with passionate fans decked out in the team’s signature crimson and gray colors.
Rivalry with La Salle College High School
One of the defining features of St. Joseph’s Prep football is its intense rivalry with fellow Philadelphia Catholic League powerhouse La Salle College High School. The annual matchup between the two schools, known as the “Holy War,” is one of the most anticipated games of the season and often has league title implications.
The rivalry dates back to 1916 and has been played annually since 1920, making it one of the oldest and most storied high school football rivalries in the country. The Prep currently holds a slight edge in the all-time series, with a record of 52-36-5.
Contact Information
St. Joseph’s Preparatory School
1733 W. Girard Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19130
Phone: (215) 978-1950
Website: https://www.sjprep.org/athletics/football
Southern Columbia Area (Catawissa)
Southern Columbia Area High School, located in the small town of Catawissa, Pennsylvania, has established itself as one of the most dominant high school football programs in the state. The Tigers have a long-standing tradition of excellence, consistently producing championship-caliber teams and standout players.
Program History and Legendary Coach Jim Roth
Southern Columbia’s football program has been a powerhouse for decades, thanks in large part to the leadership of legendary head coach Jim Roth. Roth took over the program in 1984 and has since become the winningest coach in Pennsylvania high school football history.
Under Roth’s guidance, the Tigers have amassed an incredible 499 wins, 68 losses, and 2 ties as of the end of the 2023 season. His teams have never had a losing season and have won 10 or more games in 37 of his 40 seasons at the helm. Roth’s success has earned him numerous accolades, including being named the Pennsylvania Football News Coach of the Year multiple times and being inducted into the Pennsylvania Scholastic Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame.
Impressive State Championship Record
Southern Columbia’s football program has been a dominant force in the PIAA (Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association) playoffs, particularly in Class A and AA. The Tigers have won an impressive 14 state championships, including:
- 12 Class A titles (1994, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019)
- 2 Class AA titles (2020, 2021)
The Tigers’ success in the state playoffs is unmatched, with the program holding the record for the most consecutive state championships (7, from 2017 to 2023) and the most state championship game appearances (22).
Notable Players and Alumni
Southern Columbia has produced numerous standout players who have gone on to success at the collegiate and professional levels. Some notable alumni include:
- Henry Hynoski: Fullback who played for the Tigers in the mid-2000s before going on to play at the University of Pittsburgh and for the New York Giants in the NFL.
- Julian Fleming: Wide receiver who played for the Tigers from 2016-2019, setting numerous state records before going on to play at Ohio State University.
- Gaige Garcia: Running back and linebacker who played for the Tigers from 2016-2019, helping lead the team to four consecutive state titles before going on to play at the University of Michigan.
School and Community Support
Southern Columbia’s football program benefits from strong support from both the school and the local community. Home games at Tiger Stadium are often packed with passionate fans decked out in the team’s signature blue and gold colors.
The school’s commitment to excellence extends beyond the football field, with a strong emphasis on academics and character development. Southern Columbia consistently ranks among the top schools in the state in terms of academic achievement and graduation rates.
Contact Information
Southern Columbia Area High School
812 Southern Drive
Catawissa, PA 17820
Phone: (570) 356-3450
Website: https://www.scasd.us/Athletics/Football
Aliquippa (Aliquippa)
Aliquippa High School, located in the small steel town of Aliquippa, Pennsylvania, has a storied football tradition that dates back over a century. The Quips have been a dominant force in Western Pennsylvania high school football, consistently producing championship-caliber teams and numerous NFL players.
Program History and Success
Aliquippa’s football program first began in the early 1900s and quickly established itself as a powerhouse in the region. The Quips have won an impressive 17 WPIAL (Western Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic League) championships, the most of any school in the league’s history.
In addition to their success at the district level, Aliquippa has also made a name for itself on the state stage. The Quips have won four PIAA (Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association) state championships, including titles in 1991, 2003, 2018, and 2021.
Aliquippa’s success on the field is even more impressive when you consider the size of the school and the community it represents. With an enrollment of just over 300 students, Aliquippa is one of the smallest schools in the WPIAL’s highest classification (4A). Despite this, the Quips have consistently competed with and defeated much larger schools from the Pittsburgh area and beyond.
NFL Players and Alumni
One of the most remarkable aspects of Aliquippa’s football program is the number of players it has produced who have gone on to success at the collegiate and professional levels. The Quips have sent over 25 players to the NFL, a staggering number for a school of its size. Some of the most notable Aliquippa alumni to play in the NFL include:
- Mike Ditka: Tight end who played for the Quips in the 1950s before going on to a Hall of Fame career with the Chicago Bears and Dallas Cowboys. Ditka later coached the Bears to a Super Bowl victory in 1985.
- Sean Gilbert: Defensive lineman who played for the Quips in the 1980s before going on to a successful NFL career with the Los Angeles Rams, Washington Redskins, and Carolina Panthers.
- Ty Law: Cornerback who played for the Quips in the 1990s before going on to a Hall of Fame career with the New England Patriots, New York Jets, and Kansas City Chiefs.
- Darrelle Revis: Cornerback who played for the Quips in the early 2000s before going on to a successful NFL career with the New York Jets, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and New England Patriots.
Community and School Support
Aliquippa’s football program is a source of great pride for the school and the community it represents. Home games at Carl A. Aschman Stadium, known locally as “The Pit,” are often packed with passionate fans decked out in the team’s signature red and black colors.
The Quips’ success on the field is a reflection of the hard work and dedication of the players, coaches, and community members who support the program. Despite facing economic challenges and declining population in recent decades, Aliquippa has maintained its commitment to excellence in football and academics.
Rivalry with Beaver Falls
One of the defining features of Aliquippa football is its intense rivalry with nearby Beaver Falls High School. The annual matchup between the two schools, known as the “Backyard Brawl,” is one of the most anticipated games of the season and often has playoff implications.
The rivalry dates back to the 1920s and has been played over 100 times, making it one of the oldest and most storied high school football rivalries in Western Pennsylvania. Aliquippa currently holds a slight edge in the all-time series, with a record of 54-50-6.
Contact Information
Aliquippa High School
100 Harding Avenue
Aliquippa, PA 15001
Phone: (724) 857-7500
Website: https://www.quipsfootball.com/
Berwick (Berwick)
Berwick Area High School, located in the small town of Berwick in northeastern Pennsylvania, has a rich football tradition that includes multiple state championships and a legendary coach in George Curry. The Bulldogs have been a consistent force in District 2 and have produced several NFL players over the years.
Program History and Legendary Coach George Curry
Berwick’s football program first began in the early 1900s, but it wasn’t until the arrival of head coach George Curry in 1971 that the Bulldogs truly became a powerhouse. Curry, who had previously coached at nearby Lake-Lehman High School, quickly turned Berwick into a dominant force in the Wyoming Valley Conference and beyond.
Under Curry’s leadership, the Bulldogs won six PIAA (Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association) state championships, including three consecutive titles from 1987 to 1989. Berwick also won 17 district championships and had 33 consecutive winning seasons during Curry’s tenure.
Curry’s success at Berwick earned him numerous accolades, including being named the USA Today National Coach of the Year in 1992 and being inducted into the Pennsylvania Scholastic Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame. He retired from coaching in 2005 with a career record of 455-102-5, making him the winningest coach in Pennsylvania high school football history at the time.
State Championship Success
Berwick’s football program has been a dominant force in the PIAA playoffs, winning six state championships under Coach Curry’s leadership. The Bulldogs’ state titles came in:
- 1983 (Class AAA)
- 1985 (Class AAA)
- 1987 (Class AAA)
- 1988 (Class AAA)
- 1992 (Class AAA)
- 1995 (Class AAA)
Berwick’s three consecutive state championships from 1987 to 1989 were particularly impressive, as the Bulldogs became the first team in PIAA history to win three straight titles in the largest classification (AAA at the time).
Notable Players and Alumni
Berwick has produced several standout players who have gone on to success at the collegiate and professional levels. Some notable alumni include:
- Bo Orlando: Defensive back who played for the Bulldogs in the early 1980s before going on to play at West Virginia University and in the NFL with the Houston Oilers and San Diego Chargers.
- Ron Powlus: Quarterback who played for the Bulldogs in the early 1990s before going on to play at the University of Notre Dame and in the NFL with the Philadelphia Eagles and St. Louis Rams.
- Ethan Shudak: Offensive lineman who played for the Bulldogs in the early 2000s before going on to play at the University of Iowa and in the NFL with the Cincinnati Bengals.
School and Community Support
Berwick’s football program is a source of great pride for the school and the community it represents. Home games at Crispin Field are often packed with passionate fans decked out in the team’s signature orange and black colors. The Bulldogs’ success on the field is a reflection of the hard work and dedication of the players, coaches, and community members who support the program.
Despite being a small town with a population of just over 10,000, Berwick has consistently produced championship-caliber teams and sent players to the highest levels of college and professional football.
Rivalry with Hazleton Area
One of the defining features of Berwick football is its intense rivalry with nearby Hazleton Area High School. The annual matchup between the two schools, known as the “Battle for the Barrel,” is one of the most anticipated games of the season and often has playoff implications.
The rivalry dates back to the early 1900s and has been played over 100 times, making it one of the oldest and most storied high school football rivalries in northeastern Pennsylvania. Berwick currently holds a significant edge in the all-time series, with a record of 64-38-4.
Contact Information
Berwick Area High School
1100 Fowler Avenue
Berwick, PA 18603
Phone: (570) 759-6400
Website: https://www.berwickfootball.com/
Central Bucks West (Doylestown)
Central Bucks High School West, located in the suburban town of Doylestown, Pennsylvania, has a storied football tradition that includes multiple state championships and a legendary coach in Mike Pettine Sr. The Bucks were a dominant force in the 1990s, winning four state titles under Pettine’s leadership and establishing themselves as one of the premier programs in the state.
Program History and Legendary Coach Mike Pettine Sr.
Central Bucks West’s football program first began in the 1950s, but it wasn’t until the arrival of head coach Mike Pettine Sr. in 1967 that the Bucks truly became a powerhouse. Pettine, who had previously coached at Pennsbury High School, quickly turned Central Bucks West into a dominant force in the Suburban One League and beyond.
Under Pettine’s leadership, the Bucks won four PIAA (Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association) state championships, including three consecutive titles from 1997 to 1999. Central Bucks West also won 13 league championships and had a remarkable 135-9 record during Pettine’s tenure.
Pettine’s success at Central Bucks West earned him numerous accolades, including being named the Associated Press Big School Coach of the Year in 1999 and being inducted into the Pennsylvania Scholastic Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame. He retired from coaching in 2000 with a career record of 326-42-4, making him one of the winningest coaches in Pennsylvania high school football history.
State Championship Dominance in the 1990s
Central Bucks West’s football program was a dominant force in the PIAA playoffs during the 1990s, winning four state championships under Coach Pettine’s leadership. The Bucks’ state titles came in:
- 1991 (Class AAAA)
- 1997 (Class AAAA)
- 1998 (Class AAAA)
- 1999 (Class AAAA)
Central Bucks West’s three consecutive state championships from 1997 to 1999 were particularly impressive, as the Bucks became the first team in PIAA history to win three straight titles in the largest classification (AAAA).
Notable Players and Alumni
Central Bucks West has produced several standout players who have gone on to success at the collegiate and professional levels. Some notable alumni include:
- Mike Pettine Jr.: Defensive coordinator who played for the Bucks in the early 1980s before going on to coach in the NFL with the Baltimore Ravens, New York Jets, Buffalo Bills, and Green Bay Packers.
- Josh Sborz: Pitcher who played football and baseball for the Bucks in the early 2010s before going on to play professional baseball with the Los Angeles Dodgers and Texas Rangers.
- Matt Stainbrook: Offensive lineman who played for the Bucks in the mid-2000s before going on to play at Michigan State University and in the NFL with the Seattle Seahawks.
School and Community Support
Central Bucks West’s football program is a source of great pride for the school and the community it represents. Home games at War Memorial Field are often packed with passionate fans decked out in the team’s signature purple and gold colors.
The Bucks’ success on the field is a reflection of the hard work and dedication of the players, coaches, and community members who support the program. Despite being one of three high schools in the Central Bucks School District, Central Bucks West has consistently produced championship-caliber teams and sent players to the highest levels of college and professional football.
Rivalry with Central Bucks East
One of the defining features of Central Bucks West football is its intense rivalry with neighboring Central Bucks East High School. The annual matchup between the two schools, known as the “CB Bowl,” is one of the most anticipated games of the season and often has playoff implications.
The rivalry dates back to the 1970s and has been played over 50 times, making it one of the most storied high school football rivalries in Bucks County. Central Bucks West currently holds a significant edge in the all-time series, with a record of 35-18-1.
Contact Information
Central Bucks High School West
375 West Court Street
Doylestown, PA 18901
Phone: (267) 893-2500
Website: https://www.cbsd.org/Domain/1080
Prominent Rivalries
Aliquippa vs. Beaver Falls
The rivalry between Aliquippa and Beaver Falls, two small towns in western Pennsylvania, is one of the most intense in the state. The annual game, known as the “Backyard Brawl,” has been played since 1928 and often determines the winner of the WPIAL Midwestern Athletic Conference.
Berwick vs. Hazleton Area
The rivalry between Berwick and Hazleton Area, two schools in the Wyoming Valley Conference, dates back to the early 1900s. The annual game, known as the “Battle for the Barrel,” is one of the oldest and most storied rivalries in Pennsylvania high school football.
Easton vs. Phillipsburg (NJ)
While not strictly a Pennsylvania rivalry, the annual Thanksgiving Day game between Easton High School and Phillipsburg High School in New Jersey is one of the most historic and intense rivalries in the region. The game, which dates back to 1905, is played at Lafayette College’s Fisher Stadium and regularly draws crowds of over 15,000 fans.
Harrisburg vs. Bishop McDevitt
The rivalry between Harrisburg High School and Bishop McDevitt High School, two schools in the state capital, has been a fixture of central Pennsylvania football for decades. The annual game, known as the “Battle of the Burg,” is one of the most anticipated matchups in the Mid-Penn Conference.
North Allegheny vs. Pittsburgh Central Catholic
The rivalry between North Allegheny and Pittsburgh Central Catholic, two perennial powers in the WPIAL, has been a fixture of western Pennsylvania football for years. The annual game often determines the winner of the WPIAL Class 6A championship and features some of the top talent in the state.
In Short
Pennsylvania high school football is a rich tapestry of history, tradition, and passion. From the dominant programs that have won multiple state titles to the intense rivalries that divide towns and cities, the sport is an integral part of the state’s cultural fabric. Whether you’re a die-hard fan of a particular team or simply appreciate the pageantry and excitement of high school football, there’s no denying the impact that these programs and rivalries have had on generations of Pennsylvanians.
As we look to the future of Pennsylvania high school football, it’s clear that the sport will continue to evolve and grow. New programs will emerge, old rivalries will be renewed, and young players will step up to carry on the legacy of those who came before them. But through it all, the core values of hard work, dedication, and sportsmanship that have defined Pennsylvania high school football for over a century will remain unchanged.
