The Pine-Richland varsity football team from Gibsonia, PA will face Peters Township from McMurray, PA in a neutral playoff game today at 8 p.m. This matchup is part of the 2024 PIAA Football Championship – 5A tournament.

Pine-Richland vs Peters Township Football Game Info:

What: Pennsylvania High School Football
Who: Pine-Richland vs Peters Township
When: Saturday, November 23, 2024
Time: 8 PM
Bracket: 2024 PIAA Football Championship – 5A
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Game preview: Pine-Richland vs Peters Township

As the 2024 high school football season heats up, two powerhouse teams from Western Pennsylvania, Peters Township and Pine-Richland, are making their mark in the PIAA Football Championship race. Both teams have had impressive seasons and now stand poised for a dramatic showdown, with each bringing their own strengths to the field. Here’s a breakdown of how these two teams stack up against one another.

Peters Township: A Dominant Force

Peters Township has proven to be one of the most formidable teams in the state this season, finishing the regular season with a 11-1 record. The team has been dominant both at home (6-0) and on the road (4-1), showing their resilience in every game they play. Their overall win percentage stands at an impressive .917, with a conference record of 4-1, giving them strong momentum heading into the postseason.

On offense, Peters Township averages 31.8 points per game. While they are known for a balanced offensive attack, they are particularly strong on the ground, averaging 170 rushing yards per game. The team also benefits from solid passing, with quarterback Aaron Strader leading the offense with 140.9 passing yards per game. A key contributor in the backfield is Maclane Miller, who leads the team with 122.1 rushing yards per game.

The defense has been just as strong, with the team averaging 59.6 tackles per game and 2.5 sacks per game. Linebacker Sam Heckert leads the team in tackles with 9.9 per game, a critical component in shutting down opponents.

Pine-Richland: Undefeated in Conference Play

Pine-Richland has also had a stellar season, finishing 10-1 overall, with a perfect 4-0 record in conference play. Like Peters Township, Pine-Richland has been dominant at home (7-0) and has also had a strong performance on the road (3-1), giving them an overall win percentage of .909. Their offense, averaging 37.1 points per game, is explosive, particularly in the first half, where they score an average of 12.7 points in the first quarter alone.

Pine-Richland’s offense is built on a dynamic passing game, led by quarterback Aaron Strader, who has thrown for 140.9 yards per game. The team’s rushing attack has also been effective, with their running back corps averaging 170 rushing yards per game. Receiver Lawrence “Jay” Timmons has been a standout on the outside, accumulating 55 receiving yards per game.

The team also has a formidable defense, with players like Josh Smith contributing to the team’s sack total, which stands at 2.5 per game. Pine-Richland’s defense has been successful at limiting opponents’ points, holding teams to just 131 points across their 11 games.

Comparing the Two Teams

Both teams have demonstrated their offensive firepower this season, with Pine-Richland edging out Peters Township in scoring with 37.1 points per game compared to Peters Township’s 31.8. However, Peters Township has been more effective in the trenches, boasting stronger rushing and passing yard averages, while Pine-Richland has been particularly potent in the first quarter.

Both teams share a common opponent in Bethel Park. Peters Township narrowly defeated Bethel Park 31-28, while Pine-Richland handled the team with ease, winning 28-7. This serves as a small sample of the competitive nature between the two teams, though the overall records and performance suggest both teams are ready for a playoff showdown.

Key Players to Watch

• Peters Township: Quarterback Aaron Strader has been crucial to their passing game, while Maclane Miller’s rushing ability is central to their offensive attack. Defensively, Sam Heckert’s tackling ability will be key to slowing down Pine-Richland’s offense.
• Pine-Richland: Quarterback Aaron Strader leads the way in passing yards, and Lawrence “Jay” Timmons is a reliable receiver. The defense, led by Josh Smith’s pressure on the quarterback, will look to disrupt Peters Township’s offensive flow.

Looking Ahead

With both teams having demonstrated excellence in the regular season, this matchup promises to be an exciting one. Peters Township’s resilience on the road and balanced offense will be tested against Pine-Richland’s explosive start to games and undefeated conference record. This game will likely come down to execution, as both teams have proven they can win in different ways. Fans can expect a thrilling game as these two high-powered teams aim to claim a spot in the next round of the PIAA Football Championship.