The Upper St. Clair (PA) varsity football team will play a neutral conference game against Peters Township (McMurray, PA) today at 7 p.m.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Pennsylvania High School Football
Who: Upper St. Clair vs Peters Township
When: Friday, November 15, 2024
Time: 7 PM
Watch here: Watch here

Game preview: Upper St. Clair vs Peters Township

The upcoming football game between Peters Township and Upper St. Clair promises to be a thrilling encounter, showcasing two of the top teams in the state. As both schools gear up for what could be a pivotal matchup, we look at their records, key statistics, and what to expect on the field.

Record Breakdown

Peters Township (McMurray, PA) enters the game with a solid 10-1 record, having dominated their regular season. Their performance has been impressive, finishing with a 4-1 conference record and an undefeated home slate of 6-0. However, their lone defeat came earlier in the season, when they lost to Upper St. Clair on September 27, 2024, by a score of 21-7.

On the other side, Upper St. Clair (PA) remains undefeated, boasting an 11-0 record. They have been flawless in both conference and non-conference play, winning every game they’ve played, including a perfect 5-0 conference record and an equally impressive 6-0 home record. Their consistent dominance has them positioned as one of the top contenders for the title.

Scoring Averages and Head-to-Head

In terms of scoring, Upper St. Clair holds a slight edge with an average of 35.5 points per game compared to Peters Township’s 34.1. While both teams are capable of explosive offensive performances, Upper St. Clair has been slightly more consistent in maintaining their scoring pace throughout the game, especially in the second quarter, where they average 11.6 points per game.

When the two teams met earlier in the season, Upper St. Clair won decisively, 21-7. The game was a low-scoring affair for Peters Township, as they were held to just 7 points, with Upper St. Clair scoring in each of the final three quarters after a scoreless first quarter.

Team Stats Comparison

Looking at the team statistics, both teams are strong in different areas. Peters Township is known for its potent rushing attack, averaging an impressive 263.2 rushing yards per game, led by standout running back Julian Dahlem, who averages 101.7 yards per game. The Indians also have a balanced passing game, with quarterback Ethan Hellmann contributing 95.4 passing yards per game.

Upper St. Clair’s offense has been highly efficient as well, accumulating 391 total yards per game, with a strong rushing game (263.2 yards per game). They have excelled in both running and passing, as their passing game averages 88.5 yards per game. The Panthers also have a balanced defensive unit, boasting solid tacklers, with Nate Stohl leading the team in tackles per game at 4.4.

Key Players to Watch

For Peters Township, all eyes will be on Julian Dahlem, who leads the team in total yards and points per game. His ability to break through Upper St. Clair’s defense will be crucial to the Indians’ success. Ethan Hellmann, the team’s quarterback, will also need to step up with accurate passing to keep the Panthers’ defense guessing.

Upper St. Clair will be looking to their dynamic offense, with running back Julian Dahlem and quarterback Ethan Hellmann providing a steady rushing attack and the occasional deep pass. On defense, they will rely on their defensive leaders like Stohl, who excels in stopping the run and putting pressure on opposing quarterbacks.

Common Opponents

Both teams have had a dominant run against common opponents, each finishing with perfect 7-0 records against shared teams. Key victories for both squads include wins over strong teams like Canon-McMillan, Mt. Lebanon, and South Fayette, where they each showcased their ability to adapt and dominate against tough competition.

What to Expect

The upcoming game between Peters Township and Upper St. Clair will undoubtedly be an exciting clash between two undefeated teams. Upper St. Clair enters as the favorites, given their perfect record and overall team balance. However, Peters Township, with their high-powered offense led by Dahlem, will look to exact revenge for their earlier season defeat and prove they can compete with the best.

With a spot in the postseason on the line, expect a hard-fought battle where every point counts. Fans of both teams will be eagerly watching to see if Peters Township can overcome the previous loss or if Upper St. Clair will continue their quest for an undefeated season.

The game kicks off at 7 p.m. and will be a must-watch for high school football enthusiasts.