High School Football Fever: Altoona Prepares for PIAA Championships This Weekend

ALTOONA – The excitement is building as high school football heads into its final days of the season. The PIAA football championships are set to kick off this Thursday at Chapman Field at Cumberland Valley, featuring the Class A and Class 4A title games.

This year’s finals will see three of the four teams chasing their first-ever state football crown. In the Class 4A matchup, the undefeated Lampeter-Strasburg (14-0) from District 3 will face Monsignor Bonner-Archbishop Prendergast (11-2) from District 12, both vying for their maiden state title at 7 p.m. In the Class A title game at 1 p.m., District 9 champion Port Allegany (14-0) will also be attempting to secure their first state championship, taking on District 6 champion Bishop Guilfoyle (14-1), who already holds four state titles.

As we reflect on the history of these two classes, several notable victories stand out. For instance, in 1994, Southern Columbia won its first Class A title, while 30 years prior, McKeesport claimed the 4A title. More recently, Thomas Jefferson took home the 4A championship in 2019.

Meanwhile, in girls basketball, the Chartiers Valley Colts are back in Class 5A after two years in Class 6A. The Colts will visit Mt. Lebanon for a nonsection matchup on Thursday. After suffering losses to Canon-McMillan and Thomas Jefferson, the Colts are still searching for their first win of the season. They previously faced the Blue Devils in close contests, including last year’s tight quarterfinal playoff game where they ultimately came out on top.

Also in girls basketball, Woodland Hills will host McKeesport in another nonsection game on Thursday. Woodland Hills has started strong this season with a 52-24 win over Gateway, while McKeesport is looking for their first victory after three losses. Notably, McKeesport has won their last four confrontations with Woodland Hills, ending a long-standing winning streak for the Wolverines that dates back to February 2021.

As the season wraps up, fans remain eager for these exciting matchups. The spotlight will be heavy on the teams as they fight for glory on the field.