Cardinal O’Hara vs North Pocono – PIAA Class 4A Quarterfinal Game Preview and Prediction
Tagged under: District 12, District 2, Gameday Hub, News, pfn, Playoffs
Davin Ridall | November 21, 2025
The first round of this year’s state playoffs have come and gone, which means we’re off to the quarterfinals. This week we’re taking a look at a 4A matchup, between the District 12 champion Cardinal O’Hara Lions (9-4) and the District 2 champion North Pocono Trojans (13-0).
Last Week’s Matchups
Cardinal O’Hara: 34-6 Win vs West Philadelphia
North Pocono: 40-36 Win at Bishop Shanahan
Last Week’s Cardinal O’Hara Stat Leaders
Passing: #11 John Welde – 4/13, 91 YDS, 2 TD
Rushing: #3 Amahj Gowans – 26 CAR, 195 YDS 3 TD
Receiving: #3 Amahj Gowans – 2 REC, 49 YDS
Tackles: N/A
Last Week’s North Pocono Stat Leaders
Passing: #12 Chase Zimmerman – 6/9, 86 YDS, 0 TD, 2 INT
Rushing: #5 Josiah Gray – 24 CAR, 186 YDS, 3 TD
Receiving: #11 Cole West – 3 REC, 49 YDS
Tackles: N/A
Cardinal O’Hara (9-4) 2025 Schedule
| 08-22 | vs Audenried Charter (6-4) | W, 49-0 |
| 08-29 | @ Archbishop Wood (4-7) | W, 28-20 |
| 09-05 | vs Archbishop Ryan (8-3) | W, 17-14 |
| 09-12 | vs Upper Darby (3-7) | W, 19-0 |
| 09-19 | vs Smyrna (DE) | W, 34-14 |
| 09-26 | @ Bonner Prendie (6-5) | L, 10-22 |
| 10-03 | vs Roman Catholic (9-3) | L, 7-33 |
| 10-10 | vs Father Judge (3-8) | W, 42-14 |
| 10-17 | @ La Salle College (10-1) | L, 17-54 |
| 10-25 | @ St. Joseph’s Prep (5-5) | L, 3-38 |
| 10-31 | vs Archbishop Ryan (8-3) | W, 44-21 |
| 11-08 | vs Bonner Prendie (6-5) | W, 24-3 |
| 11-15 | vs West Philadelphia (4-6) | W, 34-6 |
North Pocono (13-0) 2025 Schedule
| 08-22 | vs Greater Nanticoke (0-10) | W, 56-0 |
| 08-29 | @ Pittston Area (8-3) | W, 34-21 |
| 09-06 | vs Wyoming Valley West (1-10) | W, 48-0 |
| 09-12 | vs Wallenpaupack (4-7) | W, 38-13 |
| 09-19 | @ Abington Heights (9-3) | W, 24-10 |
| 09-26 | vs Dallas (6-6) | W, 35-14 |
| 10-03 | @ Valley View (6-5) | W, 42-10 |
| 10-10 | @ Scranton (2-9) | W, 37-14 |
| 10-17 | vs Delaware Valley (7-6) | W, 28-21 |
| 10-24 | @ Scranton Prep (8-5) | W, 24-21 |
| 10-31 | vs Crestwood (5-6) | W, 42-21 |
| 11-07 | vs Dallas (6-6) | W, 38-6 |
| 11-14 | @ Bishop Shanahan (8-5) | W, 40-36 |
What to Know About The Game
These two teams are both teams that love to run the ball. For Cardinal O’Hara it has been senior running back Amahj Gowans leading the Lions’ backfield, currently sitting just 95 yards shy of 2000 rushing yards this season, along with 20 rushing touchdowns. For North Pocono, senior running back Josiah Gray has been their bell cow, currently sitting at 1,088 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns on the year. Something to note for O’Hara, when comparing schedules, the Lions have definitely faced more difficult competition, including teams such as Roman Catholic, Archbishop Ryan, St. Joseph’s Prep, and La Salle College. Although, North Pocono has faced their fair share of tough competition, including quality wins over Pittston Area, Abington Heights, Scranton Prep, and Bishop Shanahan.
Final Thoughts
In my opinion, this game is ultimately going to come down to whoever can run the ball better, as that is clearly both of these teams strengths. This game should be a very close game, I believe it will be decided by only one score. Ultimately I believe that Cardinal O’Hara will hand North Pocono their first loss of this season.
My Prediction
Cardinal O’Hara – 30
North Pocono – 24
Game Information
Cardinal O’Hara (9-4) at North Pocono (13-0) – Friday 11/21 – Whitehall High School – Kickoff at 7 PM – Follow @DavinRidall_PFN & @PaFootballNews for game coverage
