Penn State recruits well-represented in PIAA semifinals
Penn State’s regular season has come to an end, which means high school football in Pennsylvania is also wrapping up. With District III and the WPIAL crowning their champions last week, we’re now into the semifinal round of the state playoffs and there’s no shortage of Penn State recruits set to participate.
Below are this weekend’s matchups.
2022 PIAA Semifinals
Class A
Friday: Steel-High vs. Canton – Shamokin H.S. (7:00 pm)
Friday: Port Allegany vs. Union – Clarion University (7:00 pm)
Class AA
Friday: Southern Columbia vs. Trinity – Selinsgrove H.S. (7:00 pm)
Friday: Steel Valley vs. Westinghouse – West Mifflin H.S. (7:00 pm)
Class AAA
Friday: Central vs. Belle Vernon – Cambria H.S. (7:00 pm)
Saturday: Neumann Goretti vs. Wyomissing – Germantown Supersite (1:00 pm)
Related: Where are Penn State’s coaches expected to visit on Friday?
Class AAAA
Friday: Bishop McDevitt vs. Crestwood: – Exeter Township H.S. (7:00 pm)
Friday: Aliquippa vs. Allentown Central Catholic – Bald Eagle H.S. (7:00 pm)
Class AAAAA
Friday: Upper Dublin vs. Imhotep Charter – Wissahickon H.S. (7:00 pm)
Friday: Cocalico vs. Pine Richland – Mansion Park Altoona (7:00 pm)
Class AAAAAA
Saturday: State College vs. Harrisburg – Mansion Park Altoona (1:00 pm)
Saturday: St. Joesph’s Prep vs. Garnet Valley – Germantown Supersite (7:00 pm)
Players to Know
The Nittany Lions are set to sign at least six players from Pennsylvania in its upcoming Class of 2023. Of those prospects, only offensive lineman J’ven Williams is still alive for a state title, as Wyomissing will take on Goretti Saturday in a 3A semifinal in Philadelphia.
These two teams faced off last season and it wasn’t close, as Wyomissing blew out Goretti, 42-6. The Spartans will once again be considered the team to beat in this one, although Goretti does have some talented players in Boston College commit Shawn Battle, as well as 2024 prospects Khari Reid and Deshon Dodson.
The Class 1A and 2A games don’t feature many potential scholarship players, but the other 3A game features one of Penn State’s most important 2024 prospects in Ath. Quinton Martin. Belle Vernon played in Class 4A last season, making this their first 3A semifinal appearance. A win for both Belle Vernon and Wyomissing would set up a fun matchup for Nittany Lion fans next Saturday afternoon.
Related: Five things we learned about Penn State recruiting in November
Speaking of 4A, that could also be a fun game for Nittany Lion fans next week, too, as both Bishop McDevitt and Aliquippa are on collision course for a rematch. McDevitt has to get past Crestwood tonight, while Aliquippa will face Allentown Central Catholic up in Centre County. WR Rico Scott, LB Cameron Lindsey, RB Tiqwai Hayes are a few of the top prospects at both schools. Keep an eye on 2026 McDevitt LB Maurice Barnes, too. He has the potential to be one of the state’s best in a few years.
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In 5A, Imhotep Charter is once again considered the team to beat. The Panthers fell short in overtime last season, but should be considered the favorites. 2024 CB Kenny Woseley and 2025 DE Zahir Mathis are both targets for the staff.
As expected, 6A will once again go through St. Joseph’s Prep. The Philadelphia private school is one of the deepest teams in the country. Just like Imhotep, they were upset last year in the state championship, giving the Hawks some extra motivation this year. Before that, they won three years in a row and have made it to the state championship every year since 2016. Penn State has offers out to six players who remain uncommitted, most notably quarterback Samaj Jones and safety Anthony Sacca.
In the other game, State College is set to face Harrisburg in Altoona. Phil Trautwein just extended an offer today to 2026 offensive lineman Kevin Brown at Harrisburg. State High also features a talented freshman in D’Antae Sheffey.
