{"id":26713,"date":"2025-11-06T14:26:12","date_gmt":"2025-11-06T14:26:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/26713\/"},"modified":"2025-11-06T14:26:12","modified_gmt":"2025-11-06T14:26:12","slug":"pa-s-best-high-school-football-rivalries-stretch-from-east-to-west","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/26713\/","title":{"rendered":"Pa.\u2019s best high school football rivalries stretch from east to west"},"content":{"rendered":"

Whether the battle is for a milk jug, a coal bucket, an old shoe or just bragging rights, Pennsylvania high school football is loaded with storied rivalries<\/a>. <\/p>\n

From small towns<\/a> to big cities<\/a>, these matchups bring communities together and represent the best of high school football.<\/p>\n

Most of the rivalries highlighted are thanks to input from high school coaches<\/a> across the state who answered a preseason survey about their teams. Thanks to all the coaches who participated!<\/p>\n

Which rivalries did we miss? Let us know your favorite Pennsylvania high school football rivalry at mswanson@advancelocal.com<\/a> and provide some details (name, trophy, history, etc.)<\/p>\n

The initial list below started with 50 rivalries, but it will grow as readers weigh in.<\/p>\n

TOP PA HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL RIVALRIESAbington Heights vs. Delaware Valley<\/p>\n

The Interstate 84 Black and Blue Jug is on the line when these northeastern Pennsylvania squads clash. This rivalry has intensified in recent years as both programs play in District 2 Class 5A.<\/p>\n

Abington Senior vs. Cheltenham<\/p>\n

One of Pennsylvania\u2019s oldest rivalries, dating back more than 115 years. The teams have to travel less than three miles to play each other in this suburban Philadelphia matchup.<\/p>\n

Aliquippa vs. Beaver Falls<\/p>\n

This WPAL rivalry dates to 1920. The teams have met both in the regular season and in the postseason with the Quips having the lead in the long-running series.<\/p>\n

Allentown Central Catholic vs. Bethlehem Catholic\"AllentownBethlehem Catholic\u2019s Cayden Vassa (8) evades a tackle against Allentown Central Catholic on Sept. 20, 2025.Chris Shipley l lehighvalleylive.com contributor<\/p>\n

Known as \u201cThe Holy War,\u201d this Lehigh Valley Catholic school rivalry extends beyond football to all sports.<\/p>\n

Archbishop Ryan vs. Father Judge<\/p>\n

This Philadelphia Catholic League rivalry brings together two of the city\u2019s most storied programs in an annual battle for neighborhood supremacy in Northeast Philadelphia.<\/p>\n

Avon Grove vs. Oxford Area<\/p>\n

The Milk Jug trophy is at stake in this Chester County showdown. The 10 Mile Rivalry game features neighboring communities competing for local bragging rights and a unique piece of hardware.<\/p>\n

Avonworth vs. North Catholic<\/p>\n

Though no trophy is awarded, this Western Pennsylvania matchup has developed into one of the WPIAL\u2019s most competitive rivalries, with both programs regularly contending for championships in recent years.<\/p>\n

Bald Eagle Area vs. Bellefonte<\/p>\n

The Curtin Bowl brings together these cross-bridge Centre County rivals in one of central Pennsylvania\u2019s most anticipated games. The game has been going on since the 1950s.<\/p>\n

Bangor vs. Pen Argyl\"BangorBangor OL Hunter Hopstetter (64) and Jacob Hillis (6) work together to take down Pen Argyl RB Terrell Esteez (3), Oct. 24, 2025.Tim Wynkoop | lehighvalleylive.com contributor<\/p>\n

This Slate Belt trophy is up for grabs in this rivalry, which was played for the 106th time this season. \u201cThis is our Super Bowl,\u201d<\/a> Pen Argyl center Xavier Ragusa said after this season\u2019s win to give Pen Argyl a 53-49-4 lead in the series.<\/p>\n

Bellwood-Antis vs. Tyrone<\/p>\n

Known as the \u201cBackyard Brawl,\u201d this Blair County rivalry game has been played 85 times.<\/p>\n

Berlin vs. Meyersdale<\/p>\n

Another \u201cBackyard Brawl,\u201d this Somerset County version brings together neighboring communities in a rivalry that divides the region every season. <\/p>\n

Big Spring vs. Boiling Springs\"BoilingBig Spring\u2019s Ben Fickel tackles Boiling Springs\u2019 Demetri White in high school football at Bud Ecker Field in Boiling Springs, Thursday, October 12, 2023. Paul Chaplin | Special to PennLive<\/p>\n

The aptly named \u201cBattle of the Springs\u201d features a Little Brown Jug trophy and bragging rights on the line between these Cumberland County teams separated by 15 miles. <\/p>\n

Bishop Canevin vs. Seton LaSalle<\/p>\n

This Pittsburgh-area Catholic school rivalry has produced some of western Pennsylvania\u2019s most competitive small-school matchups, with both programs regularly in contention for WPIAL championships.<\/p>\n

Bishop McDevitt vs. Harrisburg\"HarrisburgHarrisburg celebrates with the City Series trophy after defeating Bishop McDevitt in their high school football game. Aug.30, 2025. Sean Simmers ssimmers@pennlive.comSean Simmers ssimmers@pennlive.c<\/p>\n

The rivalry between these Harrisburg schools separated by just three miles was on hiatus for seven years until the teams found themselves as Commonwealth Division rivals in the Mid-Penn Conference in 2024. Harrisburg hoisted the City Series trophy in 2024 and 2025, but the Crusaders hold a 21-17 series advantage in the \u201cBattle of the \u2018Burg.\u201d<\/p>\n

Cambria Heights vs. Northern Cambria<\/p>\n

The Coal Bowl (with its Coal Bucket trophy) celebrates the region\u2019s mining heritage while providing one of western Pennsylvania\u2019s most intense small-school rivalries.<\/p>\n

Canon-McMillan vs. Peters Township<\/p>\n

The Battle of Washington County brings together these suburban Pittsburgh rivals in one of the WPIAL\u2019s most anticipated regular-season matchups. <\/p>\n

Canton Area vs. Troy<\/p>\n

The Old Shoe Game is one of northern Pennsylvania\u2019s most unique trophy games, with the winner claiming an old football shoe that has become a coveted prize in this longstanding rivalry.<\/p>\n

Cedar Cliff vs. Red Land\"CedarCedar Cliff tight end Adam Breneman is brought down by Red Land defender Darrin Stover but Cedar Cliff beat Red Land 19-0 at West Shore Stadium in 2011 The Patriot-NewsThe Patriot-News<\/p>\n

This Shore Bowl features schools from the same central Pennsylvania district competing for local bragging rights, often before packed stands of divided communities.<\/p>\n

Central vs. Northeast<\/p>\n

The Thanksgiving Day battle for the Wooden Horse Trophy is one of Philadelphia\u2019s oldest and most celebrated public school rivalries. It dates back to 1892.<\/p>\n

Central Bucks East vs. Central Bucks West<\/p>\n

This Suburban One League contest is the highlight of the season in Doylestown, Bucks County, and since it\u2019s played in Week 10, there\u2019s plenty on the line. West won the 2025 edition. <\/p>\n

Central Dauphin vs. Cumberland Valley\"CentralCentral Dauphin\u2019s Jadyn Johnson defends as Cumberland Valley\u2019s Zayden Smith scores in their high school football District 3-6A first round playoff game. Oct. 31 2025. Sean Simmers ssimmers@pennlive.comSean Simmers ssimmers@pennlive.c<\/p>\n

This matchup between Mid-Penn Commonwealth Division powers regularly has conference and district championship implications<\/a>. \u201cIn 2013 MaxPreps selected 13 of the biggest rivalry games in the U.S. and highlighted one each week. CD vs CV was one of them,\u201d Central Dauphin coach Glen McNamee said.<\/p>\n

Chester vs. Chichester<\/p>\n

This Delaware County rivalry brings together neighboring communities, but Chester has owned the matchup in recent years.<\/p>\n

Cocalico vs. Ephrata<\/p>\n

The trophy in this \u201cBackyard Brawl\u201d adds significance to this Lancaster County rivalry between neighboring communities separated by just a few miles. The winner takes the Review Cup.<\/p>\n

Downingtown East vs. Downingtown West<\/p>\n

The original Downingtown High School split into two schools in 2003, creating \u201cThe Battle of the Brandywine,\u201d which has produced memorable regular-season and postseason games. <\/p>\n

East Pennsboro vs. Susquehanna Township\"SusquehannaSusquehanna Township\u2019s Torin Evans runs against East Pennsboro in their high school football game. October 04, 2024. Sean Simmers | ssimmers@pennlive.com<\/p>\n

These two squads have played 44 times dating back to 1967, with 18 of those games being decided by eight points or less. There\u2019s no name for the game, but East Pennsboro coach John Denniston says they\u2019ve had \u201cincredibly hard-fought games the past several years.\u201d<\/p>\n

East Stroudsburg South vs. Stroudsburg<\/p>\n

The Battle for the Little Brown Jug is one of the Poconos\u2019 premier sporting events, with the trophy adding extra significance to this rivalry.<\/p>\n

Episcopal Academy vs. Haverford School<\/p>\n

The annual battle for \u201cthe sweater\u201d is one of the oldest rivalries in the country, featuring two of the oldest programs in the state. The game has been played since 1889.<\/p>\n

Erie Cathedral Prep vs. McDowell<\/p>\n

These District 10 teams have played 83 times. McDowell has won the last three contests, but Erie Cathedral Prep leads the series 49-34. <\/p>\n

Germantown Academy vs. Penn Charter<\/p>\n

The nation\u2019s longest continuous high school football rivalry will celebrate its 140th meeting on Saturday, Nov. 8. Penn Charter leads the series 89-38-11 in a game that\u2019s been played since 1887.<\/p>\n

Governor Mifflin vs. Wilson<\/p>\n

This Berks County rivalry had its 68th renewal this season. Wilson won its fourth consecutive meeting to continue to hold the all-time series lead.<\/p>\n

Hamburg vs. Schuylkill Valley<\/p>\n

The Frost Bowl and its accompanying trophy highlight this Berks County rivalry that has seen Schuylkill Valley claim victory for the past four years.<\/p>\n

Hershey vs. Milton Hershey\"MiltonMilton Hershey\u2019s Michael Blidi dives past Hershey\u2019s Carter Klein in the 2023 Cocoa Bean Bowl. lSeptember 23, 2023. Sean Simmers | ssimmers@pennlive.com<\/p>\n

The Cocoa Bean Bowl was played at Hersheypark Stadium for decades and now rotates between each high school\u2019s home field. Hershey leads the series, first played in 1943, by a 42-37-3 margin in this Mid-Penn Conference rivalry.<\/p>\n

Interboro vs. Ridley<\/p>\n

The Turkey Bowl is one of Delaware County\u2019s most anticipated Thanksgiving sports traditions, which will continue this year on November 27.<\/p>\n

La Salle College vs. St. Joseph\u2019s Prep<\/p>\n

This Philadelphia Catholic League rivalry game is played twice most years, as both teams routinely square off in the Class 6A postseason. The series stands at 64-42-4 in favor of St. Joseph\u2019s Prep after La Salle won both meetings in 2025.<\/p>\n

Lehighton vs. Jim Thorpe<\/p>\n

This Carbon County rivalry brings together communities with rich football traditions in the battle for the Route 209 Trophy.<\/p>\n

Liberty vs. Freedom\"2025Freedom\u2019s Abraham Pla (9) stiff arms his way to extra yards against in the 2025 D-11 Class 6A football quarterfinal.Chris Shipley l lehighvalleylive.com contributor<\/p>\n

The intra-Bethlehem rivalry splits the city each season in one of the Lehigh Valley\u2019s most anticipated games. The Battle of Christmas City has been going on since 1958. Liberty prevailed in the regular season and playoffs this year<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Lower Merion vs. Radnor<\/p>\n

These two football teams first met in 1897, with Lower Merion winning the 2025 game 17-14. Games were not played in 1901 and 1905. The 2025 contest marked the 120th consecutive time these two Central League teams battled, with Radnor holding the series lead 62-58-11.<\/p>\n

Mechanicsburg vs. Northern<\/p>\n

The Route 15 Trophy is at stake when these rivals separated by eight miles meet. Although the annual rivalry isn\u2019t historical, the new series has continued to live up to the hype.<\/p>\n

Moshannon Valley vs. Glendale<\/p>\n

The Battle of Smoke Run and its Croatian Club Trophy highlight this rural rivalry between neighboring districts in a tradition-rich, small-school matchup.<\/p>\n

Mt. Carmel Area vs. Shamokin<\/p>\n

The Coal Bucket Trophy goes to the winner of this coal region classic between two of Pennsylvania\u2019s most historic programs. The game has been played since 1908.<\/p>\n

North Allegheny vs. Pine-Richland<\/p>\n

This battle of WPIAL powerhouses has developed into one of western Pennsylvania\u2019s premier rivalries, with both programs regularly competing for district and state championships.<\/p>\n

Northampton vs. Catasauqua<\/p>\n

This rivalry of East Penn Conference teams will mark its 100th anniversary on Thanksgiving Day. The teams met twice in 1925 and 1926. Northampton leads the all-time series by a 64-33-4 count in the 101 games contested.<\/p>\n

Northern Lebanon vs. Annville-Cleona<\/p>\n

Though lacking an official name or trophy, Northern Lebanon coach Jason Rice describes this rivalry as featuring \u201cgood old-fashioned dislike for one another.\u201d<\/p>\n

Oil City vs. Franklin<\/p>\n

This matchup began in 1896 and is known as \u201cThe Route 8 Rivalry.\u201d Oil City has dominated the rivalry since 2010 and won this year\u2019s game 47-0. <\/p>\n

Pennridge vs. Quakertown<\/p>\n

This Thanksgiving Day tradition will celebrate its 96th meeting this month, making it one of the state\u2019s oldest holiday rivalries. \u201cOur game doesn\u2019t officially have a name and only just recently began to award a trophy to the winning school each year,\u201d Pennridge coach Kyle Beller said. <\/p>\n

Perkiomen Valley vs. Spring-Ford<\/p>\n

This Montgomery County rivalry has developed into one of the most competitive in District 1, with both programs regularly contending for Pioneer Athletic Conference Liberty Division championships.<\/p>\n

Scranton vs. West Scranton<\/p>\n

Dubbed \u201cThe Bell Game,\u201d this Lackawanna County rivalry winner receives a mounted bell as its trophy. The series dates to 1954 when West Scranton, Scranton Central and Scranton Tech played for possession of an old railroad. The modern-day series started in 1991. <\/p>\n

Shenandoah Valley vs. Mahanoy Area<\/p>\n

Another game known as \u201cThe Backyard Brawl,\u201d this matchup between Schuylkill County programs dates back to 1899. The winner receives the Damato\/Szematowicz Trophy, established in 1945 to honor the first soldiers killed in World War II from Shenandoah and Mahanoy City. Shenandoah Valley leads the series 60-50-6.<\/p>\n

Westinghouse-Taylor vs. Allderdice<\/p>\n

This rivalry is dubbed \u201cThe City League Championship Game,\u201d and is a highly anticipated matchup annually by Pittsburgh-area high school football fans.<\/p>\n

West Perry vs. Susquenita<\/p>\n

The Perry County Trophy is on the line when these rural central Pennsylvania rivals meet.<\/p>\n

Listen to the Pa. High School Football Report podcast\n<\/p>\n

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