Protime’s Triple Header Preview for Week One or is it Week Zero
Tagged under: District 10, District 9, News, pfn
Phil Myers | August 21, 2025
Good day football fans. It is time. The 2025 PA high school football season is here. Even though Protime has retired his predictions column and cut back on a few other things, Billy Splain has been more than kind enough to put up with the old codger for another year of regular season coverage. Protime is cutting back on that too, but you wouldn’t know it as he plans to be at three different sites for the opening week.
Kirtland, Ohio at Central Clarion – Friday at 7:00
Kirtland’s Hornets will be buzzing into Clarion Friday night for a unique interstate matchup between each state’s runner-up programs from a year ago in their respective classes. Kirtland is in Ohio’s Division VI which is equivalent to Pennsylvania’s 2A classification, which is where Central Clarion is assigned. Tiger LaVerde is Kirtland’s coach and has amassed a 244-21 record over the 19 years he has been at the helm, winning 7 state titles. His son, QB Jake LaVerde, at 6’2” 210 lbs. is a threat to run as well as pass. The Hornets are ranked #2 in Ohio in the preseason Division VI polls.
Central Clarion lost to graduation their all-state QB for the past 4 years in Jase Ferguson. But the cupboard is not bare for Dave Eggleton’s Wildcats. WR’s Ethan Rex and Mason Burford return along with 5 other starters on both sides of the ball. Burford was part of the state gold medal 4X100 track team in the spring. Big and strong hombre, Hayden Hindman will anchor the line. PA Football News has Central Clarion has Honorable Mention in their preseason poll, but if Carter Hindman gels as the new QB and the defense is stingy again in ‘25, look for the Wildcats to make a serious run to the states again this year.
General McLane at DuBois – Saturday at 1:00
General McLane’s Lancers lost a heartbreaker to Clearfield in the playoffs last year and are primed to make another run at the D-10 title. Even though head coach Marshall McCormick lost the record setting duo of QB Issac Zietz and WR Jacob Zietz, they return a star in TE Jared Corwin who is also a bigger force on the other side playing defensive end. Corwin is a Navy recruit.
DuBois had a nice season last year as they defeated Erie Cathedral Prep in the playoffs before losing a very close game to Hollidaysburg. All-state QB Trey Wingard returns for his senior year. He will have a new set of WRs to throw to, but they have the potential to be really good. If the Beavers can get solid play from their line on both sides, look for them to maybe get a bit farther in the playoffs in 2025. Protime can’t recall DuBois and General McLane ever locking up on the football field before.
Brockway at Punxsutawney – Saturday at 6:00
Brockway’s Rovers were the District 9 Class 3A champs least year defeating St. Marys before falling in the playoffs to Somerset. QB Aiden Patton and WR Caleb Daugherty return along with a bigger, but thinner in depth, line on offense. Defense should also be improved. Head Coach Jake Heigel and his staff have some high expectations for this year’s squad despite a very tough schedule which should make them playoff worthy.
The Chucks of Punxsy return practically the whole team from last year’s playoff eleven who lost to University Prep. Not to make excuses but that team had the injury bug bite them at the end of the year. Beau Thomas returns as one of the gamers for head coach Brandon Snyder. He plays TE on offense and LB on defense. Owen Roken set a few kicking records at Punxsy as a freshman in 2024. Any time the ball gets inside the opponent 40 the Chucks will have a chance to score on the strength of Roken’s leg.
It is hard to say which game will be the best. They all have the potential to be great ones and Protime is excited for the season to begin, as is the lovely Mrs. P, who is also glad Protime will be dialing it back a hair from now on. Let the games begin!!!
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