District 1 5A 2nd Round Playoff Preview

Tagged under: District 1, News, pfn, Playoffs

Willie McGonigle | November 12, 2026

Here we are in the second week of the postseason. In District 1 that means we’ve reached the Elite Eight. Yes, only eight teams remain in 5A. Last week, the top 4 seeds all advanced, with the top-seeded Chester Clippers finding it easy while the second seed, Springfield Cougars, continued its mauling of opponents’ offenses, recording its eighth straight shutout; the third seed, Great Valley Patriots, survived a scare from West Chester Rustin to remain perfect on the season. 4^th seed Garnet Valley rolled comfortably. There were some upsets, with the 11^th seed Unionville and 12^th seed West Chester Henderson going on the road and pulling off upsets. Will the top seeds continue to roll, or will there be more upsets? We’ll find out this weekend.

1 Chester vs 8 Interboro Saturday

The old Del Val League Clippers and Bucs meet for the second time this season, with the Clippers going on the road and beating the Bucs 36-14 on October 2. Last week, the top-seeded Clippers found smooth sailing, defeating Marple Newtown 40-6 behind four interceptions by their defense. The Clippers last lost to a Del Val team in 2022. The Bucs come in after knocking off the 9^th seed Strath Haven 20-6 led by the 1-2 punch of Momdu Rogers and Mason Marshall-Speights; the duo combined for 288 yards rushing last week.

4 Garnet Valley vs 12 West Chester Henderson

For the second week, the Garnet Valley Jaguars will battle a team from West Chester after blasting West Chester East 48-21, thanks in large part to their rushing attack that amassed 330 yards and 5 touchdowns. Sebastian Cantu led the way with 130  yards and 4 touchdowns. Last week for the second time this season, the Warriors handled Upper Moreland, handing them their second loss of the season, 34-14. Ryan Turse hauled in 10 passes for 197 yards for the Warriors, who are being guided by interim head coach Dan Ellis after Head Coach Bob Brice took a leave of absence earlier this season.

2 Springfield vs 7 Upper Perkiomen

The Defending District Champion and 2^nd seed Cougars continue to roar. Last week the Cougars posted their 8^th straight shutout, blanking the 15th-seeded Kennett 35-0 behind 81 yards and two touchdowns from TJ Valetti. Last week, the 7^th seed Indians continued their high-scoring ways, jumping out to a 31-0 lead on their way to 45-30 victory over the 10^th seed Academy Park. The Indians gained 557 yards against Academy Park, led by RB Zach Adam’s 179 yards rushing.

3 Great Valley vs 11 Unionville

For the second time this season, the Patriots and Longhorns meet. In Week 1 the Patriots outlasted the Longhorns 35-28. Last week, the Patriots survived a scare from West Chester Rustin and scored 14 unanswered points in the fourth quarter to walk away with a 42-35 victory over Rustin behind Beau Kosmalski’s 162-yard and 3-touchdown performance. Last weekend, the Longhorns made the long trek up to Wissahickon and came away with a 21-14 victory. Ethan McCune sealed the victory with an interception, while Darren Hovington ran for 176 yards on 31 carries.