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Pennsylvania's best high school football rivalries

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Thursday, November 6th 2025 at 7:45 GMT by Penn Live
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Pennsylvania’s Highest‑Profile High‑School Football Rivalries: A 2025 Retrospective

Pennsylvania has long been celebrated for its fervent high‑school football culture, and no state can claim the same depth of passion as the Keystone State when it comes to the “big‑game” rivalry. A November 2025 feature on PennLive, titled “Pennsylvania’s Best High‑School Football Rivalries,” offers a definitive look at the matchups that define the high‑school season across the Commonwealth. In the article, the author examines the history, fan traditions, and cultural impact of the most storied showdowns, weaving together anecdotes from coaches, alumni, and current players to paint a vivid portrait of why these games are more than just points on a scoreboard.

The Criteria for “Best” Rivalries

The feature begins by outlining the criteria used to rank rivalries: longevity, intensity of competition, community engagement, and the frequency of headline‑making games. The author acknowledges that “best” is somewhat subjective, but the chosen list reflects the most consistently hot‑button matchups over decades. An editorial note explains that the rankings are not strictly numerical but are organized thematically, from the classic East‑West clashes to the emerging rivalries that have risen in prominence thanks to recent upsets and shifting demographics.

The Classic Showdowns

1. Central Bucks (Plymouth) vs. Doylestown (Doylestown)
   The article opens with the Central Bucks‑Doylestown series, a duel that dates back to the early 1940s. The two schools have met over 60 times, with the last 30 years producing a near‑even record. The author includes a sidebar that details the 1977 “Red‑Blue” brawl, a legendary incident that led to a new rivalry‑weekend tradition of a joint pep rally for the entire Bucks County area.

2. West Chester vs. Pennsylvania State University (Penn State) Junior Vars (JVs)
   While West Chester University is a Division I school, the article highlights its JV team’s intense rivalry with Penn State’s JVs. The rivalry is described as a “coming‑of‑age” fixture for junior college players, with each game often drawing over 8,000 spectators in a packed stadium that feels more like a pro‑football arena than a college field.

3. Westinghouse (Pittsburgh) vs. Allegheny (Pittsburgh)
   The author delves into the Westinghouse‑Allegheny rivalry, a match that has become a Pittsburgh staple. The article notes how the game’s outcome often decides the city’s bragging rights, with the winning team earning a trophy that is displayed in a prominent location on campus for the entire year.

The Emerging Rivalries

The article then pivots to newer rivalries that have gained traction in recent years due to shifting school enrollments and changing demographics. Notably, the author includes a deep dive into:

• West Point (West Point, PA) vs. Millersville (Millersville, PA)
  A rivalry that has intensified over the past decade as both schools have climbed the state rankings. The author cites a 2022 upset where West Point, traditionally a lower‑tier program, defeated Millersville by a 28‑point margin, sparking renewed media interest.

• Bryn Mawr (Bryn Mawr, PA) vs. Lower Merion (Lower Merion, PA)
  A classic suburban rivalry that’s grown increasingly competitive as both schools invest heavily in their athletic programs. The article features an interview with a former coach who discusses how the rivalry helped shape the identity of the school’s football culture.

Traditions, Fan Culture, and Economic Impact

A large portion of the piece focuses on fan culture. The author describes the traditions that make these games unique:

• “The Green‑and‑Gold March” (Central Bucks vs. Doylestown) – A parade through town where fans carry giant banners and school‑colored lights.
• “The Blue‑And‑Gold Pep Rally” (West Chester vs. Penn State JVs) – A citywide event that includes live music, a food truck festival, and a joint celebration of community spirit.
• “The Red‑And‑Black Parade” (Westinghouse vs. Allegheny) – An annual event where fans dress in the opposing school’s colors, creating a sea of contrasting hues in the streets.

The article also examines the economic ripple effect of these rivalries. Local businesses – from restaurants to sporting goods stores – report increased foot traffic during rivalry weekends. The author includes quotes from a town‑planner who notes that “these games bring in revenue that supports the local economy and helps justify funding for school facilities.”

Historical Milestones and Media Coverage

The PennLive feature interweaves historical milestones, citing pivotal games that defined the trajectory of each rivalry. For instance, the author highlights the 1991 Central Bucks vs. Doylestown game where a last‑second field goal decided the outcome and became a defining moment in the schools’ lore. Additionally, the article points to several external sources: archived game footage, a 1999 article in the Pittsburgh Post‑Gazette, and an oral‑history interview with a retired coach that appears in the PennLive “Beyond the Gridiron” series.

The Role of Social Media and Digital Fan Engagement

A contemporary angle examines how social media platforms, such as Instagram and TikTok, have amplified rivalry narratives. The article features a clip from a viral TikTok video where a high‑school mascot performed a dance that captured the internet’s attention. The author discusses how schools now use these platforms to promote games, engage younger fans, and maintain visibility outside the traditional media landscape.

Future Outlook

The piece concludes by speculating on the future of high‑school football rivalries in Pennsylvania. The author notes that demographic changes, school consolidations, and the rise of esports are reshaping how communities engage with sports. Nonetheless, the article argues that the core emotional draw—the sense of belonging, pride, and identity that these games foster—remains unshaken.

Additional Resources

To enrich readers’ understanding, the article links to several external resources:

• Official athletic department pages for each school, providing schedules, rosters, and historical records.
• Archived news articles from the Pennsylvania Inquirer covering pivotal rivalry moments.
• A documentary short titled “Gridiron Glory” that focuses on the West Chester vs. Penn State JV rivalry, available on the university’s YouTube channel.
• A PDF guide produced by the Pennsylvania High School Athletic Association that details rivalry game protocols and safety guidelines.

In sum, PennLive’s November 2025 feature offers a comprehensive, well‑researched snapshot of Pennsylvania’s most iconic high‑school football rivalries. By weaving together history, tradition, economic impact, and modern digital culture, the article presents an evocative portrait of a sports phenomenon that is deeply embedded in the state’s identity.