The Bethel Park (PA) varsity football team will play a neutral non-conference game against Pine-Richland (Gibsonia, PA) today at 7 p.m.
Here’s what you need to know:
What: Pennsylvania High School Football
Who: Bethel Park vs Pine-Richland
When: Friday, November 15, 2024
Time: 7 PM
Watch here: Watch here
Game preview: Bethel Park vs Pine-Richland
As the 2024-25 high school football season unfolds, two powerhouse teams from Pennsylvania—Pine-Richland and Bethel Park—are making a strong impression. Both squads have proven to be formidable forces in their respective conferences and across the state, setting the stage for what could be a thrilling showdown.
Team Overview
Pine-Richland enters the season with a stellar 9-1 record, showcasing dominance in both their league and non-league matchups. The team has gone undefeated in their conference play with a perfect 4-0 record. Pine-Richland’s offense has been a well-oiled machine, putting up 380 points (38 points per game) while allowing just 124 points (12.4 points per game). The Rams’ rushing and passing attacks have been balanced, with key players like Maclane Miller leading the ground game and Aaron Strader orchestrating a potent aerial offense.
On the other hand, Bethel Park boasts a solid 10-2 record, with a strong showing in both league and non-league games. They have been a dominant force at home with a 5-1 record, and while their away performance is equally strong (5-1), their league record of 3-2 reflects a slightly tougher challenge within the conference. Bethel Park’s high-scoring offense has put up an impressive 521 points (43.4 points per game) and has been especially productive in the second quarter, averaging 17.5 points per game. Their defense has also been strong, holding opponents to just 185 points (15.4 points per game).
Scoring and Key Players
When comparing the two teams’ offensive performances, Bethel Park stands out with its ability to score big—especially in the first half. While Pine-Richland averages 13.3 points in the first quarter, Bethel Park has been more prolific, posting 17.5 points during the second quarter. However, Pine-Richland tends to close out games stronger, with a solid scoring rate of 10.0 points per game in the third quarter. Bethel Park’s offense, though potent, averages just 2.5 points in the final period.
Looking at individual performances, Pine-Richland’s Maclane Miller is a standout, averaging 112.6 rushing yards per game, while Aaron Strader contributes 147.7 passing yards per game. Bethel Park’s key player is their quarterback, Aaron Strader, who leads the team with 182.4 total yards per game. In the receiving department, Lawrence “Jay” Timmons of Pine-Richland has been an explosive target, averaging 56 yards per game.
Defensive Standouts
On the defensive side, Pine-Richland has been a well-rounded unit, averaging 60 tackles per game, with linebacker Sam Heckert leading the way with 9.6 tackles per game. However, Bethel Park has demonstrated strong sack production, with Josh Smith recording 0.6 sacks per game.
Common Opponents
Both teams have faced similar competition this season, with a common opponent being Greater Latrobe. Pine-Richland took care of business on October 11, 2024, winning 42-0 at home, while Bethel Park followed suit on November 1, 2024, with a 42-7 victory over the same team. These results show that both teams have been dominant when facing comparable opposition.
Head-to-Head Comparison
While Pine-Richland has the edge in terms of league record (4-0 compared to Bethel Park’s 3-2), Bethel Park has been more successful in non-league games, with a 5-1 mark compared to Pine-Richland’s 2-1 record. This suggests that both teams are battle-tested and have proven themselves capable of handling a variety of challenges.
Looking Ahead
Both Pine-Richland and Bethel Park have proven themselves to be elite teams in Pennsylvania high school football, with high-powered offenses and solid defenses. Pine-Richland will rely on its well-balanced offensive attack and strong defensive unit, while Bethel Park will look to its high-scoring offense to continue to put pressure on opponents. With both teams already making their mark on the season, fans can expect a thrilling matchup when these two titans eventually meet on the field.
In what promises to be an exciting season, both teams will look to secure key victories as they push toward the playoffs. The rivalry between Pine-Richland and Bethel Park could very well determine who reigns supreme in Pennsylvania high school football this year.
