Altoona, PA – Football fans in Altoona are gearing up for the exciting conclusion of the 2024 high school football season as the PIAA championships kick off this Thursday at Chapman Field, featuring both the Class A and Class 4A title games. These matchups promise to be thrilling, especially since three of the four teams are hunting for their first-ever state football championships.

The spotlight will be on the **Class 4A** showdown between Lampeter-Strasburg, boasting a perfect record of 14-0 from District 3, and Monsignor Bonner-Archbishop Prendergast from District 12, which stands at 11-2. They will clash at 7 p.m. on Thursday. It’s a golden opportunity for both teams as they aim to seize their first state title. Meanwhile, over in Class A, Port Allegany, also undefeated at 14-0, will face off against Bishop Guilfoyle, the seasoned competitor from District 6 with a record of 14-1, looking to secure its fifth state championship title in the 1 p.m. game.

Looking back at 2024, this year marks significant anniversaries for Class 4A and A football. It has been thirty years since McKeesport won the 4A title and Southern Columbia captured its first state title in A back in 1994. The memories continue with twenty years ago when Central Catholic finished an unbeaten season against Neshaminy with a score of 49-14 during the 2004 4A finals. Fast forward to five years ago, Thomas Jefferson claimed the 4A title with an impressive 46-7 victory over Dallas.

Aside from football, the girls’ basketball scene is also heating up in the area. On Thursday, **Chartiers Valley** will try to find their first win of the season in a nonsection matchup against **Mt. Lebanon**. After losing their first two games to **Canon-McMillan** and **Thomas Jefferson**, the Colts are eager to turn their luck around, while the Blue Devils come in with a record of 2-1 following a tough recent loss to **Altoona**.

In a different matchup, **Woodland Hills** is set to host **McKeesport** on Thursday evening in a game that highlights two playoff teams from last year with strong basketball traditions. The Wolverines won their opening game against **Gateway**, while McKeesport is still seeking their first win after tough matches against powerful teams.

As the football and basketball seasons progress, the rivalry, competition, and excitement continue to build in Altoona.