Friday Football Frenzy: Tight Finishes and Blowouts Across Pennsylvania

Lead: Pennsylvania high school football featured nail-biters and lopsided victories Friday, September 5, as defending champions and rising contenders clashed statewide. Nut Graf: Week Two of the 2025 season delivered edge-of-your-seat thrillers-three games decided by one score-and multiple dominant performances that underscored early title aspirations.

Close Calls Define the Night

Altoona edged Cumberland Valley, 17-16, on a late field goal to snap a two-game skid and improve to 2-1.
Bethlehem Liberty held off Stroudsburg, 49-17, despite a late rally attempt, maintaining its undefeated start at 2-0.
Unionville topped Pottstown, 50-6, behind a four-touchdown performance from senior quarterback Marcus Shaw.

Standout Blowouts

Athens rolled past Canton, 56-22, powered by 300 rushing yards and five touchdowns from junior back Elijah Martin.
Stroudsburg fell after Bethlehem Liberty’s explosive offense, but Shikellamy’s balanced attack blanked Shamokin, 52-21.
Susquehanna Township shut out Boiling Springs, 55-0, marking the largest margin of victory in District 3 play.

Rising Contenders on Display

Blue Mountain crushed Jim Thorpe, 47-0, showcasing a defense that has yet to allow a first-half point in two games.
Union Valley upset Northern Cambria, 27-21, with a fourth-quarter touchdown drive led by sophomore signal-caller Dylan Perez.
Tyrone defeated Central Martinsburg, 28-6, as running back Cole Johnson rushed for 165 yards and two scores.

Quick Hits

Bald Eagle routed Penns Valley, 21-0, to claim its first shutout of the season.
Brock Sabatini’s three interceptions paced Bishop Guilfoyle’s 7-0 win over Bellefonte.
West York prevailed over Donegal, 45-8, highlighted by special teams’ two blocked punts returned for touchdowns.

As the calendar flips to Week 3, teams will seek momentum from Friday’s high drama and dominant displays, intensifying the race for league titles and postseason berths.