Excitement Builds for High School Football Championships in Altoona

Altoona is buzzing with excitement as the 2024 high school football season reaches its climactic end. The PIAA football championships are set to kick off on Thursday at Chapman Field at Cumberland Valley, and fans are eager to see which teams will take home the coveted trophies.

The first match of the day starts at 1 p.m. with the Class A title game, where Port Allegany (14-0), the District 9 champion, is on a quest for their first-ever state championship. They will face off against the seasoned champions, Bishop Guilfoyle (14-1) from District 6, who are looking for their fifth state title.

Later that evening at 7 p.m., the spotlight turns to the Class 4A final, featuring two teams with plenty to prove. Lampeter-Strasburg (14-0) from District 3 and Monsignor Bonner-Archbishop Prendergast (11-2) from District 12 will clash for their first state championship. With a perfect record on the line, Lampeter-Strasburg is eager to continue their winning streak.

This year’s finals also hold historical significance, as it has been thirty years since teams like McKeesport and Southern Columbia claimed their titles. Stakes are high as memories of past achievements spark motivation in the teams competing this week.

Meanwhile, the girls’ basketball scene is heating up too. Chartiers Valley is back in Class 5A after a stint in 6A and face Mt. Lebanon in a non-section game. The Colts are seeking their first win of the season after recent losses, while the Blue Devils aim to build on their record after a strong start.

Also on Thursday, the girls’ teams from Woodland Hills and McKeesport will clash in another exciting matchup. With McKeesport searching for their first win of the season, they will look to improve against a Wolverines team that has already found success this year.

As the season wraps up, fans from all over are looking forward to thrilling matchups and hoping their teams come out on top in these final games.