High school football in Western Pennsylvania is a tradition that runs deep in the hearts of many communities. From the Friday night lights to the Saturday afternoon showdowns, fans eagerly anticipate the excitement and camaraderie that comes with each game. While most schools have transitioned to playing their home games under the lights on Friday nights, there are still a few holdouts that continue to play on Saturday afternoons.
Riverview, Western Beaver, and Summit Academy are the only schools in the WPIAL that play their home games in the daylight on Saturday afternoons. These schools bring a unique charm to the game, harkening back to a time when Saturday afternoon football was the norm. While most schools have installed lights at their facilities to accommodate Friday night games, these three schools have chosen to stick to tradition and keep their games on Saturdays.
Even though Riverview typically plays their games on Saturday afternoons, they do make an exception for their annual homecoming game, which is played on a Friday night. This year, Riverview’s homecoming game will be held on October 4th, adding an extra layer of excitement to the season. Additionally, three other schools in the WPIAL continue the tradition of playing their homecoming games on Saturday afternoons despite typically playing on Friday nights: Shaler, Shady Side Academy, and Burgettstown.
Some schools in the WPIAL share their stadiums with other schools, leading to scheduling conflicts that result in games being played on Saturdays. Bishop Canevin and Seton LaSalle share Dormont Stadium with Keystone Oaks, while Our Lady of the Sacred Heart plays their home games at Moon Stadium. These schools work together to ensure that all teams have the opportunity to play their games in a suitable location, even if it means playing on a Saturday afternoon.
In some cases, schools are forced to play their home games at neighboring stadiums due to renovations or other issues. For example, Clairton’s Neil Brown Stadium is undergoing renovations this fall, so the Bears will play all four of their home games at Thomas Jefferson. Three of those games will be on Saturday at noon, providing a unique experience for both the players and fans.
The WPIAL football schedule for 2024 includes a number of Saturday afternoon games, offering fans the chance to enjoy high school football in a different setting. From early afternoon kickoffs to evening showdowns, each game brings its own excitement and energy to the field. Whether it’s a traditional Saturday afternoon matchup or a special homecoming game under the lights, high school football in Western Pennsylvania continues to captivate fans and players alike.