The Marion Center (PA) varsity football team is set to host a conference matchup against Portage (PA) tonight at 7:00 p.m.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Pennsylvania High School Football
Who: Marion Center vs Portage
When: Friday, August 29, 2025
Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch on NFHS Network

Portage vs. Marion Center: Conference Showdown Between Unbeaten Teams

The 2025-26 high school football season is heating up in Pennsylvania, and Friday night’s matchup between the Portage Mustangs and the Marion Center Stingers is shaping up to be one of the early highlights of the conference schedule. Both teams enter the contest at 1-0 overall and 1-0 in conference play, setting the stage for a key battle that could have implications down the line.

Rankings & Records

• Portage Mustangs (1-0, 1-0 conference)

  • National: 9,922 | PA: 419 | Class: 37

  • Last game: Defeated West Shamokin, 18-7

• Marion Center Stingers (1-0, 1-0 conference)

  • National: 10,048 | PA: 422 | Class: 59

  • Last game: Defeated Conemaugh Valley, 45-6

Both squads opened their seasons with convincing wins, but in different fashions—Portage leaned on gritty defense in a low-scoring victory, while Marion Center showcased explosive offense in a blowout.

Offensive Comparison

Portage comes into the matchup averaging 318 total yards per game, led by quarterback Easton Slanoc (#3), who threw for 151 yards and added 211 total yards in the opener. His favorite target, Lucas Gathers (#20), pulled in 63 receiving yards, while running back Llheson Walker (#15) contributed 65 yards on the ground.

On the other side, Marion Center’s balanced attack produced 45 points in Week 1, highlighted by strong rushing and a dominant start in the first quarter, where they scored 21 points. While official yardage numbers haven’t been posted, the Stingers showed a fast-paced offense capable of overwhelming defenses early.

Defensive Edge

Defensively, Portage has relied on playmakers like Slanoc again, who posted 9 tackles in Week 1, and Tyson Burkett (#1), who added a sack. The Mustangs average 50 tackles per game and will need to be sharp against a Marion Center team that has shown it can score in bunches.

Marion Center, meanwhile, held Conemaugh Valley to just 6 points, demonstrating strong discipline and efficiency on defense.

Scoring Breakdown

• Portage: Averaging 18.0 points per game (6 per quarter across three different periods).

• Marion Center: Averaging 45.0 points per game, including 21 points in the first quarter alone.

This suggests Portage will need to control the tempo to keep Marion Center’s offense off the field.

Common Opponents

Both teams share Conemaugh Valley and West Shamokin on the schedule. Marion Center already dominated Conemaugh Valley 45-6, while Portage will face them in Week 3. Both teams defeated West Shamokin in their season debuts, setting up this matchup as a true test of conference balance.

What’s at Stake

With both squads undefeated, this game is not just about bragging rights—it could be an early separator in the conference standings. Portage will look to grind out another defensive win, while Marion Center aims to prove its offensive firepower is no fluke.