Avonworth Claims First PIAA 3A Championship, Defeats Northwestern Lehigh 31–7 in Battle of Pennsylvania’s Last Unbeatens
By: Carrie Miner Yaple | SportzWire | December 7, 2025 | Photo courtesy Mason Dennenfelser @masonvis
Avonworth Claims First PIAA 3A Championship, Defeats Northwestern Lehigh 31–7 in Battle of Pennsylvania’s Last Unbeatens
ALLENTOWN, Pa. — In a rematch loaded with respect, history, and high stakes, the Avonworth Antelopes finally claimed the title that slipped away a year ago, defeating Northwestern Lehigh 31–7 at Chapman Field to secure their first-ever PIAA 3A football state championship. Entering the afternoon as the only two undefeated teams left in Pennsylvania, both programs walked in with perfect records—only one walked out with perfection preserved.
Northwestern Lehigh set the tone in tribute as they ran out carrying the American flag in honor of Tucker Wessler, drawing a roar from the packed stadium. Avonworth won the coin toss and deferred, giving the Tigers the ball first in a matchup featuring two programs deeply familiar with one another after last year’s overtime classic.
FIRST QUARTER: Early Punches Landed on Both Sides
The Tigers’ opening drive stalled after a penalty turned a manageable down into 3rd-and-10. A near interception on a pass intended for Brady Zimmerman forced a punt, giving Avonworth excellent field position at their own 47.
On their first offensive play, the Antelopes struck lightning-fast. Quarterback Carson Bellinger faked a handoff and launched a 53-yard strike to Jaden Jones, who hauled it in for the game’s opening touchdown with 10:19 left. Avonworth took an early 7–0 lead.
Northwestern responded with their trademark resilience. Starting from their own 12, quarterback Shane Leh spread the ball around, mixing connections with Zimmerman, Bollinger, and Lagowy as the Tigers churned downfield. A pass interference call on Avonworth moved them deeper, and Leh hit Bollinger over the middle to set up first-and-goal.
From two yards out, Braxton Lakatosh punched it in, tying the game 7–7 with 5:11 left.
But Avonworth answered right back. Mixing passes to Jones and Neal with tough inside runs, the Antelopes marched 73 yards in six plays. Luca Neal powered in from eight yards, putting Avonworth back on top 14–7 late in the quarter.
SECOND QUARTER: Avonworth Takes Control
Northwestern gambled early in the second quarter with a 4th-and-2 reverse to Zimmerman, but Avonworth sniffed it out. That defensive stop ignited another scoring drive. On 3rd-and-12, Bellinger floated a ball to Jones, who soared above several defenders for a highlight catch down at the 9-yard line. Moments later, Neal stiff-armed his way into the corner of the end zone to extend the lead to 21–7 with 9:47 left.
From there, Avonworth’s pass game began to overwhelm the Tigers. Jones racked up six first-half catches for 150 yards, while Bellinger started 7-for-7 for 196 yards.
Still, Northwestern had flashes. After a fumble recovery gave them life and Leh found Lagowy on a rollout, the Tigers appeared to be building momentum—until disaster struck. A long reception by Zimmerman ended in a fumble, scooped up by Avonworth’s McDowell at the Tigers’ 23.
But in a wild 60-second stretch, Northwestern took the momentum right back.
On the very next play, Shane Leh intercepted Bellinger, the Tigers’ third takeaway of the half. Northwestern drove near midfield before time expired, trailing 24–7 at the break but far from giving up.
THIRD QUARTER: Defense Keeps Tigers Alive, But Field Position Battles Hurt
Northwestern nearly produced the spark they needed to open the second half when the kickoff came loose, but Avonworth recovered. The Antelopes shifted to a ground-heavy attack, looking to bleed the clock—and yet again it was Northwestern’s defense coming up big. Senior Evan Morgan snagged an interception at the 11-yard line.
The Tigers, however, couldn’t capitalize. A massive sack turned 3rd-and-manageable into 4th-and-20. The ensuing punt was blocked, but a roughing-the-punter penalty gave Northwestern new life. Still, turnovers continued to plague the Tigers: Leh’s deep pass was intercepted, though NW answered immediately with yet another forced fumble recovery.
Even then, the Tigers couldn’t sustain a drive. The third quarter ended with Avonworth still ahead 24–7 and the clock becoming their biggest ally.
FOURTH QUARTER: Avonworth Slams the Door
Facing 3rd-and-18 early in the fourth, Avonworth delivered a dagger when Bellinger hit Jones again—this time for 35 yards to the Northwestern 14. With 9:01 remaining, Neal powered through the middle for an 8-yard touchdown run, his jersey literally ripped by a defender trying to bring him down. The kick made it 31–7.
Northwestern’s hopes dimmed after another fumble was recovered by the Antelopes with just over eight minutes left. The Tigers’ defense forced one final stop, but the offense stalled on a turnover on downs with 3:18 left.
By then, the result was sealed. After 732 days without a loss—including back-to-back Colonial League championships, a District 11 title, and a return trip to Hershey—the Tigers watched Avonworth take a knee and celebrate the program’s first state championship.
THE REDEMPTION COMPLETE
For Avonworth, the win carried emotional weight. They had been blown out in the 2019 title game. They had lost in heartbreaking fashion in overtime last year. This time, the third time was the charm.
Their 31–7 victory secured a perfect season and left them the only undefeated high school football team in Pennsylvania in 2025.
POSTGAME: HEART AND PERSPECTIVE FROM NORTHWESTERN LEHIGH
Despite the loss, Northwestern head coach Josh Snyder praised his players with heart and humility.
“Just making it here is a win. It wasn’t an easy season. I’m super proud of them,” Snyder said. “We ran into a super skilled team. You’ve got to be flawless. They were on a mission this year.”
Reflecting on the Tigers’ astonishing three-year run of 50-plus wins and only two total losses, Snyder spoke proudly of his senior class:
“Lehigh Valley has never seen that. This senior group is a special group—they left their legacy. I’m extremely proud of their fight today.”
With more than ten seniors graduating, Snyder grew emotional when asked about their impact:
“It’s just tough right now. One day they’ll look back and realize what they accomplished. Great leaders, hard workers. I’m definitely going to miss them.”
A FINAL WHISTLE TO REMEMBER
Players from both teams embraced afterward, recognizing the battle they’d shared not just today, but over the past two championship seasons. Northwestern’s captains accepted the runner-up trophy with pride, while Avonworth lifted the 2025 PIAA Class 3A state championship trophy—completing their long-awaited redemption story.
For one team, a dream fulfilled.
For the other, a legacy cemented.
For both, a championship rematch worthy of Pennsylvania football history.
**Photo courtesy of PIAA**
