The Port Allegany (PA) varsity football team will host Wilmington (New Wilmington, PA) in a home playoff game today at 7 p.m. This matchup is part of the 2024 PIAA Football Championship – 1A tournament.

Port Allegany vs Wilmington Football Game Info:

What: Pennsylvania High School Football
Who: Port Allegany vs Wilmington
When: Friday, November 22, 2024
Time: 7 PM
Bracket: 2024 PIAA Football Championship – 1A
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Game preview: Port Allegany vs Wilmington

The stage is set for an epic showdown between two powerhouse high school football teams—Wilmington and Port Allegany—both of which have had impressive seasons, but with contrasting records and styles. Here’s a breakdown of the teams, their stats, and what to expect from this exciting matchup.

Team Overview

• Wilmington (9-2 overall, 5-1 in conference) has had a solid season, showcasing their dominance at home with a perfect 7-0 record but falling short in their two away games. Their strong win percentage of .818 speaks to their consistency, and they have scored 354 points while allowing 193.
• Port Allegany (12-0 overall, 6-0 in conference) enters this game with an undefeated record, having dominated both at home and on the road with perfect records of 6-0 in each. Their offense has been nothing short of explosive, racking up 642 points while giving up 222. Port Allegany has also displayed impressive consistency, with a perfect conference record of 1.000.

Offensive Firepower

Wilmington’s offense averages 32.2 points per game, with their top playmakers being Aiden Bliss and Brennan Fillhart. Bliss leads the team in rushing yards, averaging 216.3 yards per game, while Fillhart contributes with 63.5 passing yards per game. Additionally, Bliss’s total yards per game of 227.0 reflect his integral role in the offense.

Port Allegany, however, takes the offensive crown, averaging a staggering 53.5 points per game. The Gators have been relentless in their attack, scoring heavily in the first two quarters with averages of 12.4 and 20.0 points, respectively. Their offense is led by a powerful rushing game, with 378.4 yards per game, and they’ve also excelled in receiving with 72.4 yards per game. This well-rounded offense is supported by key contributors, including players like Carson Neely, who leads the team in pancake blocks (47).

Defensive Standouts

Defensively, Wilmington has held opponents to an average of 193 points this season, with key players like Aiden Bliss contributing on the defensive end, averaging 6.5 tackles per game. Wilmington’s defense has been solid, with 2.5 sacks per game.

On the other hand, Port Allegany has posted equally strong defensive numbers, with an average of 54.3 tackles per game and 2.5 sacks per game. Their defense has been tough to break, with the Gators allowing just 222 points across their undefeated season.

Record Breakdown

• Wilmington’s season has been marked by dominant home performances (7-0) but mixed results on the road (2-2). However, their strong playoff performance, with a 1-0 record, signals they could be a force in the postseason.
• Port Allegany, on the other hand, has remained perfect across all fronts, from conference play to the non-league and playoff games, with an unblemished 12-0 record.

Keys to Victory

• Wilmington will need to harness their strong rushing game and capitalize on home-field advantage to counter Port Allegany’s potent offense. A key factor for the Greyhounds will be whether their defense can hold up against the high-scoring Gators.
• Port Allegany will look to continue their dominant offensive streak while maintaining their defensive excellence. Their ability to control the game from the outset, particularly in the first half, will be crucial.

Conclusion

This matchup between Wilmington and Port Allegany promises to be a thrilling contest. While Wilmington has shown their strength at home and solid team play, Port Allegany’s perfect record and high-scoring offense make them the team to beat. Fans are in for a showdown of titans as these two teams look to prove who is the best on the gridiron. Will Wilmington’s home advantage be enough to topple the undefeated Gators, or will Port Allegany continue their march to an unblemished season? Only time will tell.