The Scranton Prep varsity football team (Scranton, PA) will host Northwestern Lehigh (New Tripoli, PA) in a home playoff game today at 7 p.m. This matchup is part of the 2024 PIAA Football Championship – 3A tournament.

Scranton Prep vs Northwestern Lehigh Football Game Info:

What: Pennsylvania High School Football
Who: Scranton Prep vs Northwestern Lehigh
When: Friday, November 22, 2024
Time: 7 PM
Bracket: 2024 PIAA Football Championship – 3A
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Game preview: Scranton Prep vs Northwestern Lehigh

The stage is set for an exciting clash between two of Pennsylvania’s top high school football teams: Northwestern Lehigh and Scranton Prep. Both teams have dominated their respective seasons, showcasing impressive records and high-powered offenses. As we look ahead to their potential match-up, let’s break down the key stats, player highlights, and how these two teams have fared so far.

Northwestern Lehigh: A Perfect Season So Far

With a flawless record of 13-0, Northwestern Lehigh has proven to be one of the most formidable teams in the state this year. The team has excelled across all facets of the game, with a perfect 8-0 record in conference play and a near-perfect 7-0 mark at home. On the road, they have been just as dominant, boasting a 5-0 record. Their offense has been unstoppable, putting up a staggering 569 points across the season, averaging an incredible 43.8 points per game.

Leading the charge for Northwestern Lehigh is senior running back Eli Zimmerman, who has been nothing short of spectacular. Zimmerman has accumulated 158.6 rushing yards per game, contributing significantly to the team’s offensive success. Alongside Zimmerman, quarterback Shane Leh has thrown for an average of 103.4 yards per game, while receiver Mason Bollinger has contributed 39.6 receiving yards per game. Defensively, the team has been tough, with linebacker Shane Hulmes averaging 8.5 tackles per game and registering 0.5 sacks per game.

Scranton Prep: A Strong Contender

Though not undefeated like their opponents, Scranton Prep has had a highly successful season, finishing with a 12-1 overall record. They dominated conference play, finishing 6-0, and showed impressive balance, with 5 wins at home and 5 on the road. Scranton Prep’s offense has also been potent, putting up 410 points across the season, averaging 31.5 points per game.

Quarterback Shane Leh has had a solid season, averaging 103.4 passing yards per game, while running back Eli Zimmerman has been a dual-threat, contributing 158.6 rushing yards per game for Northwestern Lehigh. Scranton Prep’s defensive effort has been led by standout players who will need to find ways to contain Zimmerman and Northwestern Lehigh’s high-scoring offense.

Offensive & Defensive Breakdown

Looking at team stats, Northwestern Lehigh has been the more explosive offensive team, with a well-rounded attack that combines a strong rushing game (279.5 rushing yards per game) and solid passing and receiving yards. Scranton Prep’s offense has been balanced, but they’ve averaged fewer points per game and have shown vulnerability, especially in the second half, with their scoring dropping off in the 4th quarter.

On defense, Northwestern Lehigh has held opponents to just 79 points all season, while Scranton Prep has allowed 174 points. Northwestern Lehigh’s defense has been consistent, averaging 73.2 tackles per game, while their pass rush has also been effective with 1.7 sacks per game.

Key Players to Watch

• Eli Zimmerman (Northwestern Lehigh) – Zimmerman has been the team’s workhorse, racking up 158.6 rushing yards per game and contributing 15.1 points per game. His performance will be crucial in breaking through Scranton Prep’s defense.
• Shane Leh (Scranton Prep) – As the quarterback for Scranton Prep, Leh’s ability to move the ball effectively through the air will be vital in keeping pace with Northwestern Lehigh’s explosive offense.
• Shane Hulmes (Northwestern Lehigh) – As a leader on defense, Hulmes will need to continue his strong play in the linebacking corps, helping to stymie Scranton Prep’s offensive attack.

A Clash of Titans

The matchup between these two teams promises to be a thrilling contest, with Northwestern Lehigh’s explosive offense and perfect record facing off against Scranton Prep’s balanced and disciplined team. Both teams have proven themselves capable of playing under pressure, and with the stakes as high as they are, the game could very well come down to who can execute in the key moments.

While Northwestern Lehigh’s undefeated season gives them the edge, Scranton Prep’s resilience and ability to execute in all areas of the game make them a formidable opponent. Fans can expect a hard-fought game that could go down to the wire, with both teams playing for pride and the opportunity to continue their march toward the state championship.