PIAA Class 3A State Quarterfinal Preview: Northwestern Lehigh vs. Scranton Prep

Tagged under: District 11, District 2, News, pfn, Playoffs

Jared Samuel | November 21, 2024

We are finally out of the District-level games and into the State Quarterfinals. Let’s take a look at both teams heading into this huge game!

Northwestern Lehigh (13-0)
PFN State Class 3A #1 ranked
The Tigers are hoping for a return to Cumberland Valley and a shot at the elusive state championship they missed out on last year. Head Coach Josh Snyder’s team has had a terrific season thus far, and it’s no surprise they are in the title discussion again. Junior QB Shane Leh has thrown for 1,344 yards and 21 TD’s, with Junior Mason Bollinger the favorite target at 34 receptions for 515 yards and 6 TD’s. Bollinger has also rushed for 220 yards and 6 TD’s, but on the ground the real workhorse is Senior RB Eli Zimmerman with 2,062 yards and 23 TD’s. On defense, the leaders are Sophomore Brady Zimmerman (80 tackles), Junior Shane Hulmes (72 tackles) and Senior Jared Meck (69 tackles). The Tigers come into the State Quarterfinal off of an impressive 49-7 win over District 12 champ Conwell-Egan.

Scranton Prep (12-1)
PFN State Class 3A #4 ranked
With a challenging regular season behind them, the Cavaliers are battle-tested and ready for the next game. Head Coach Terry Gallagher’s team has done what they have done the last 2 years: get back into the state playoffs for a rematch against the team who eliminated them the year before. Senior QB Louis Paris is a terrific dual-threat, rushing for 1,167 yards with 17 TD’s and throwing for 1,333 yards and 11 TD’s. Junior RB Will McPartland rushed for 1,067 yards and 17 TD’s. Senior WR Treyvon Dickey rushed for 590 yards and 6 TD’s and added 36 receptions for 304 yards and 4 TD’s. On defense, Junior LB Mackey Lynett and Senior LB’s Reese Tanner and Jack Doughton are tough to deal with, along with DB’s McPartland and Dickey. The Cavaliers took care of business last week with a convincing 28-6 win over Wyoming Area.

Outlook:
Both teams are run-first squads that also play good defense. These teams met last year in the State Quarterfinal round, with Northwestern Lehigh getting a 27-6 win. The difference this year for Scranton Prep has been their schedule — after being allowed to schedule some out of conference games, the Cavaliers challenged themselves with 2 strong out-of-state schools and perennial 4A power Jersey Shore. I would expect a much different game this year, and with winter weather predicted to possibly impact the game and/or timing of the matchup, things will definitely be different this time around.

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