Philadelphia Public League Classification Finals
Tagged under: District 12, News, pfn, Playoffs
Anthony Franklin | November 4, 2026
Philadelphia Public League Classification Title Game Previews:
6A: Lincoln v Northeast (11/7 @ 4pm at Northeast Supersite)
Northeast is coming off a 42-0 pasting win over rival Central in the semifinals. The Vikings are looking to reclaim the 6A title after losing to Lincoln in both the 2022 and 2023 title games. Northeast prevailed in the first matchup, winning 24-12.
Lincoln outlasted George Washington in the semifinals 8-6 in overtime to earn their 5th consecutive 6A title game appearance. They lost in 2022 to Northeast but won in 2023. They also lost in 2024 and 2025 to Imhotep. With 17 players ineligible the Railsplitters will be undermanned.
Outlook: Northeast is down 5 players who transferred in while Lincoln is down 17 including their starting QB. Northeast should have the depth to win their first league crown since 2022.
5A: West Philadelphia v Imhotep Charter (11/7 @ 1pm at Germantown Supersite)
Imhotep enjoyed an unexpected bye last weekend after Frankford opted out of playing due to player health concerns. Tep Sr. QB Joey McLeish is second in the PL in passing with 2030 yards and first in touchdown passes with 24. Sophomore DL Tristian Alexander leads the team in sacks with 10 while Sr. DB Malik Drayton is tied for the lead in interceptions in the city with 8. In the first matchup this season Tep rolled to a 35-0 victory.
West Philadelphia is led by Sr. RB Jahsir Newsome who leads the Pub in rushing with 1606 yards and 18 touchdowns. Jr. DL Dejaun Cross leads the team and league in sacks with 11. Sr. DB Chyere Porter is a ballhawk in the secondary and has a team best 5 interceptions this season.
Outlook: In the early season matchup West had some success defensively stopping the Tep offense early however they turned the ball over 7 times including 5 interceptions with two being returned for touchdowns which led to the route. For West to have a chance they must win the time of possession battle while also not having any turnovers. Tep is deeper with talent and larger so West will need a perfect game to dethrone the champs. In the end Tep is too big, fast and talented and will win.
4A: Boys Latin Charter v Simon Gratz (11/7 @ 11am at South Philly Supersite)
Simon Gratz enters the game on a 7-game winning streak with Jr. QB Shane Salley leading the offense. Shane has thrown for 2278 yards, 39 touchdowns and added 144 rushing yards and a score for the Bulldogs. Due to transfer rules the Bulldogs are down several key players going forward.
Boys Latin is led by Sr. RB Angelo Porter who has 729 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns for the Warriors. Sr. RB Edward Huggins has 453 rushing yards & 3 scores. Defensively Sr. DL Kuran Sanders leads the team with 66 tackles and 9 sacks.
Outlook: In the early season matchup Gratz rolled 62-8. This matchup looks to be more competitive with Gratz being down over a dozen players. Boys Latin is one dimensional not having a passing attack so Gratz will once again load the box. Gratz should still have the talent to get by a gritty Boys Latin squad.
3A: John Bartram v Audenried (11/7 @3pm at South Philly Supersite)
John Bartram finished the regular season 6-2 and earned a first-round bye in the Pub 3A classification. Bartram has played a tough schedule and defensively plays a physical brand of football. Only Simon Gratz and Bishop Shanahan have scored more than 20 points against them.
Audenried is led by Sr. QB Marcus Velez has thrown for 683 yards & 11 touchdowns. The Rockets have rushed for 933 yards and 12 touchdowns utilizing 3 backs. Defensively Jr. DL Abdullah Abdullahi has 40 tackles and 6 sacks.
Outlook: Both teams have played tough schedules this season and are battle tested. Bartram has been more competitive against their better competition this year and should be able to win this game.
1A: Belmont Charter: The Tigers are on a bye this week and will play in a sub-regional game next week.
For updated brackets bookmark and follow along here: PIAA Football Playoff Brackets – PA Football News
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