.jpg "Northwestern Lehigh Ends Notre Dame’s Perfect Run, Claims District XI 3A Title")
Northwestern Lehigh Ends Notre Dame’s Perfect Run, Claims District XI 3A Title
By: Justin Bradley | SportzWire | November 14, 2025 | Photo courtesy Justin Focus Photography
Northwestern Lehigh leaned on power, depth, and postseason poise Friday night at Catasauqua, defeating previously unbeaten Notre Dame-Green Pond 35–14 to secure the District XI 3A championship and continue its pursuit of back-to-back state titles.
The Tigers wasted no time asserting control. After receiving the opening kick, they marched methodically downfield behind Braxton Lakatosh and a balanced rotation of ball carriers. Shane Hulmes capped the drive with the first of his three touchdowns. Notre Dame tied the game early in the second quarter on Jonathan Striba’s five-yard score, but Northwestern quickly answered. A four-play burst sparked by strong field position ended with Chase Sukanick racing in from 11 yards out for a 14–7 advantage.
The turning point came late in the half. A deep strike from quarterback Shane Leh to Brady Zimmerman set up a highlight moment as Leh weaved 30 yards for a touchdown to push the Tigers ahead 21–7 at the break.
Notre Dame showed resilience in the third, leaning heavily on quarterback Matt Bodnar and standout receiver Drew Boyd, whose eight-catch, 103-yard night included a sensational toe-tap grab. That drive set up Striba’s second rushing score, closing the gap to 21–14 and briefly swinging momentum.
But the fourth quarter belonged entirely to Northwestern. The Tiger defense tightened, holding Notre Dame to just nine offensive plays while creating turnovers and forcing hurried throws. Hulmes powered in for another short touchdown to restore a two-score lead, and two plays after a Zimmerman interception, Mason Bollinger burst through the middle for a 19-yard dagger that stretched the margin to 35–14 with under five minutes remaining. Leh added a late interception to erase any final hopes of a Crusader comeback.
Northwestern moves on to face Scranton Prep in their opening round of the PIAA 3A state playoffs, the Cavaliers defeated Mifflinburg Friday night 28-21 at Milton High School.
Notre Dame-GP’s impressive season concludes at 12–1, halted only by the defending state champions who once again look primed for a deep postseason run.
