PIAA District VI playoffs, a quick glance at the games

Tagged under: District 6, News, Playoffs

Billy Splain | November 5, 2026

Taking a quick look at the District VI playoff matchups:

1A

Bishop Guilfoyle v Northern Cambria: the defending champs, the Marauders, seem to be in playoff form. They haven’t been challenged since a week 2 loss to Richland with the exception of Bellwood-Antis, a 10-0 win. QB Justin Wheeler is the main cog here on both offense and defense.  Northern Cambria is reeling after two straight losses to Conemaugh Twp and River Valley.

Moshannon Valley v Juniata Valley: The two teams battled to a 7-0 game won by the Hornets earlier this year. Both team are playoff ready coming off wins over Berlin (MV) and Meyersdale (JV). This game could go either way between these 7-3 teams.

Bishop McCort v Glendale: The Crushers are on a six game win streak after a lackluster 1-3 start. BM took down a tough 4A Bellefonte team last week. Glendale has lost two straight but they can win, they beat Juniata Valley in week three and a decent S. Huntingdon team three weeks ago. Which Viking team will show up is the question for this game.

Homer-Center v West Branch: The 8-2 Wildcats are the favorites here. Their only losses came to 10-0 3A Cambria heights and Marion Center early on. They’re looking to be the bully to BG once again. The Wildcats own two wins over the Marauders, including a 20-14 triumph in 2017 that snapped BG’s 59-game winning streak. West Branch would need a perfect game and have the Wildcats hand them several mistakes.

Look for a BG/Wildcat rematch, but watch out for McCort and the MV/JV winner to make it tough.

2A

Mt. Union v Penns Valley: The undefeated Trojans game plan can be simple, get the ball in the hands of Nasir Collins who has broken many records this year. They’ve got some beef up front too and QB Maddox Hobbs can make plays. For the Rams, I personally believe they are one of the most improved teams in the state. They lean on their swiss army knife like Spencer Althouse. He’s dangerous on returns, as a receiver and on defense. Could be a close game.

River Valley v Marion Center: The Panthers are tough, every year. Their two losses come to district contenders Cambria Heights and Homer-Center. They run right at you until you break or stop them. 7-3 Marion Center lost the first matchup by one score. Troy Slovinsky leads the way and can sling the rock. He can also run the ball and has accounted for over 2,000 yards for the Stingers. Dandy game loading!

Bellwood-Antis v Bald Eagle Area: The 7-3 Blue Devils lost three games they could have won were it not for a couple plays. They are a run first, smashmouth team led by Alex Mccartley and Bradyn Partner. BEA has struggled with injuries this season, but HC Jesse Nagle will have his team ready. Four of their losses were by 8, 8, 7 & 7 points. This could be a 9-1 team with just a couple plays made.

Richland v S. Huntingdon: The Rams have playmakers all over the field but aren’t perfect thanks to losses to 4A Bellefonte and BG. Junior QB Jacob Regan has thrown for over 2,000 yards. Speedy Grayson Mahla can run the ball well. D1 prospec Arnold Mugerwa is a threat out wide as is Jamere Christian. Two of the four Rocket losses were by one score. They come at you several way but have a tough task at hand.

3A

Central v Phillipsburg-Osceola: The Dragons lone loss came to Bishop Guilfoyle in week 5. This isn’t the strongest Central team we’ve seen, but they get the job done. Six of their wins are by 23 points,  one td or less.  The Mounties unpredictable. They lost the week one matchup, hammered 4 wins, lost 3 then won 2 more. Jeff Vroman has brought serious improvement to this team. The can run with Damarcus Law and they can throw. Another unpredictable game.

Cambria Heights v Central Cambria: Highlanders are undefeated and on a mission. Only one close game, a 6-0 win over Marion Center. QB Nolan Clawson has over 2,300 yards alone. Red Devils will counter with QB Mason Pittsinger and RB Ryan Chappell. These neighboring schools will battle for the chance to claim the Cambria County 3A title. (I made that up, but it makes sense). Winner will face Punxsutawney who has two weeks off.

4A 

No teams

5A

Hollidaysburg v Dubois: An annual treat. They meet in the final game of the regular season, then in the D2/6/9 playoff bracket. 7-2 Hollidaysburg has QB Vinnie Albarano who can run and throw. Dubois stands at 6-4 and lost last week to the Golden Tigers 56-11. Will be tough for the Beavers to follow that up with a win.

6A

State College v Erie High: State College is undefeated. Erie is 2-7. State High hasn’t faltered though they had two close ones early with Central York and McDevitt. Cudos to Erie for playing. Congrats to the “Lions” for finally having a full playoff schedule with no bye weeks. This one may not be close. They do have a dangerous QB in Evan Kuhn who’s thrown for 2,500 yards with 29 tds.

Altoona v McDowell: Great season for the Lions. 6-4 could be considered a success. They a couple nice wins over Cathedral Prep but play a schedule loaded with out of state foes. Tough to read how they are versus in state teams. He’s approaching 3,000 total yards with 288 rushing. Four receivers over 300 yards in catches. Altoona has two backs with over 700 yards. QB Mekhi Jackson is one of them. This lines up as a pretty good game to see.