The Scranton Prep varsity football team (Scranton, PA) will host Northwestern Lehigh (New Tripoli, PA) in a playoff game today at 7 PM. 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: Saturday, November 23, 2024
Time: 7 PM
Bracket: 2024 PIAA Football Championship – 3A
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Game preview: Scranton Prep vs Northwestern Lehigh

As the 2024 PIAA Football Championship draws near, two powerhouse teams, Northwestern Lehigh and Scranton Prep, are set to square off in what promises to be an exhilarating contest. Both teams have dominated throughout the season and enter this matchup with impressive records. Here’s a closer look at each team’s journey to this point and what fans can expect from the upcoming showdown.

Northwestern Lehigh: A Perfect Season

With a flawless record of 13-0, Northwestern Lehigh has been nothing short of dominant this season. They capped off a perfect run in the regular season, going 8-0 in conference play and 7-0 at home. Their offense has been explosive, averaging an impressive 42.6 points per game, led by senior running back Eli Zimmerman, who racked up 158.6 rushing yards per game. Zimmerman has been a constant threat, totaling 177.5 yards per game, a statistic that places him among the best in the nation.

Defensively, Northwestern Lehigh has shown a balanced approach, averaging 73.2 tackles per game and boasting solid pressure with 1.7 sacks per game. The team’s ability to control the clock with its ground game while limiting opponents has been key to its perfect season.

In terms of scoring, Northwestern Lehigh is a first-half juggernaut, averaging 15.0 points in the opening quarter and 17.8 points in the second, before easing off in the later stages of games. The team’s balanced attack and strong defense have allowed them to win games in dominant fashion, outscoring their opponents 569-79 on the season.

Scranton Prep: A Strong Contender

Scranton Prep has been equally impressive this year, with a 12-1 record. The team went 6-0 in conference play and 5-1 on the road. While their offense doesn’t boast the same explosive numbers as Northwestern Lehigh, they’ve been consistently efficient, averaging 31.5 points per game. Scranton Prep has shown their strength in the second and third quarters, with 12.4 points per game in the third quarter alone, making them a tough team to face after halftime.

Despite their strong performance, the team does not rely on any single standout player, though quarterback Shane Leh has been consistent, averaging 103.4 passing yards per game, and Mason Bollinger has contributed with 39.6 receiving yards per game. Scranton Prep has demonstrated an ability to control the tempo and grind out victories with a solid all-around team effort.

Defensively, Scranton Prep averages 73.2 tackles per game, but they will need to step up their pass rush to contain Northwestern Lehigh’s dynamic offense. Their defense has allowed 174 points this season, but they will likely need to improve in the red zone against a high-powered opponent like Northwestern Lehigh.

Team Comparison

When it comes to raw stats, Northwestern Lehigh has the edge in many areas. They average a hefty 279.5 rushing yards per game, which should be a crucial factor in wearing down the Scranton Prep defense. In contrast, Scranton Prep’s offense has been more balanced, with an emphasis on efficiency rather than explosive yardage.

Both teams are adept at controlling the ball, but Northwestern Lehigh’s scoring ability, especially in the first half, sets them apart. Scranton Prep will need to find a way to stay within striking distance early on and capitalize on their strong third-quarter performances to mount a challenge.

Key Players to Watch

• Eli Zimmerman (Northwestern Lehigh): With 158.6 rushing yards per game and a total of 177.5 yards per game, Zimmerman is the focal point of Northwestern Lehigh’s offense and will likely be the key to their success.
• Shane Leh (Scranton Prep): Leh’s consistency in the passing game, averaging 103.4 yards per game, will be critical for Scranton Prep to move the ball and find success against Northwestern Lehigh’s defense.

The Path to the Championship

Both teams have earned their spots in this championship game through remarkable performances throughout the season. Northwestern Lehigh has been the more dominant team overall, while Scranton Prep enters as a formidable opponent with only one loss. This game will be a test of Northwestern Lehigh’s perfect offense against Scranton Prep’s ability to execute and adjust on the fly.

Conclusion

The upcoming matchup between Northwestern Lehigh and Scranton Prep is shaping up to be one of the most exciting games of the season. With both teams showcasing high-caliber offense and defense, it will be a battle of strategy, skill, and heart. Northwestern Lehigh’s perfect season will be on the line, while Scranton Prep aims to spoil the party and claim the championship for themselves. Fans can expect a thrilling contest with plenty of action and drama as these two powerhouses collide for the title.