PIAA Class 1A Title Game Preview: Bishop Guilfoyle Marauders

Tagged under: District 6, News, pfn, Playoffs

Jared Samuel | December 3, 2025

BISHOP GUILFOYLE MARAUDERS vs CLAIRTON BEARS

PIAA District 6 – Class A
League: Laurel Highlands League – East 1
Head Coach: Justin Wheeler

OVERVIEW

The defending Class 1A state champ Marauders are back in the title game. They have won a state title 5 times since 2014 and have won the District 6 title 10 times. Last season, they defeated Port Allegany 41-22 to win their 5th state title. Their only losses this season were to District 6 2A powers Richland and Bishop McCort, and during this playoff run they’ve outscored their 5 opponents 184-12 with the Marauder defense getting 3 shutouts including last week’s 35-0 win over Belmont Charter.  This is a seasoned group who knows how to get it done.

To get a win over Clairton, the defense will need to continue to play at the highest level. They’ve seen athletic teams already in this playoff run, and the defense was up to the challenge.  The line will need to continue to be disruptive and the linebackers and secondary will need to take advantage.

How they got to the title game:

2025 Bishop Guilfoyle Schedule

Key Players:

• Sr QB/TE/LB Jake Kissell: Leading rusher, scorer (33 TD’s), leading tackler and sack leader for Guilfoyle.  And he’s a great kick returner.
• So QB/DB Justin Wheeler: He can run (over 800 yards rushing) and throw (over 1400 yards, completed 68% of passes). Also a great DB.
• Sr WR/DB Tyson Lestochi: Terrific receiver, a great route runner and has the speed to separate in coverage.  Good coverage DB.
• So OL/DE Declan Peterson: Stout on the O-line, but has made a big showing on defense.  Forced a big-time fumble at the 1-yard line against Westinghouse.

Look out for:

• Jr RB Evan Schimminger. Solid runner, and second leading receiver for the Marauders.
• Fr RB/LB Keegan Hewitt. Making a name for himself already as a freshman, has seen plenty of touches and can tote the rock well.
• Jr DB Jack Gioiosa.  Great defender and excellent tackler.
• Jr K Carter Boland. He’s got the leg, and that’s quite a weapon as it comes down to it.

Keys to winning-Offense: 

Establish the run. Kissell is tough and elusive, and Wheeler can run the Guilfoyle version of the Wing-T well.  Then, start showing the pass to keep the Bears guessing.  The Line will need to continue to use their size and mobility, and if they establish dominance at the line of scrimmage there could be some sustained long drives to keep the Clairton offense off the field.

Keys to winning-Defense:

Pressure and Containment. The Line has caused a lot of disruption so far in the playoffs and has come up with some big forced fumbles and sacks.  They may not get the sacks due to the speed of Clairton, but if they are able to contain then the LB’s and DB’s can do their job.  When the Line establishes themselves, it allows Kissell and Gioiosa to roam and make plays.

Starting Lineup: