The Riverside (Taylor, PA) varsity football team will host Hanover Area (Hanover Township, PA) in a non-conference matchup tonight at 7 p.m.

Here’s what you need to know:

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

Riverside Looks to Stay Perfect as Hanover Area Seeks First Win

The Riverside Vikings return home this Friday night looking to build on their early-season momentum, while the Hanover Area Hawkeyes hope to bounce back from a tough opener.

Riverside (1-0) enters the matchup unbeaten after edging out a 17-14 road victory to start the 2025 season. The Vikings are currently ranked No. 6,004 nationally, No. 234 in Pennsylvania, and No. 20 in their class, giving them a clear edge in the early standings.

Hanover Area (0-1), meanwhile, dropped their season opener 42-24 on the road and will be aiming for their first win of the year. The Hawkeyes sit at No. 13,054 nationally, No. 536 in Pennsylvania, and No. 87 in class rankings.

Offensive Outlook

Hanover Area showed flashes of offensive firepower in their opener, scoring 24 points behind a balanced attack that featured a 14-point surge in the second quarter. However, defensive struggles remain a concern, as they allowed 42 points.

Riverside’s offense was less explosive in Week 1, but highly effective when it mattered most. The Vikings scored all 17 of their points in overtime, showcasing resilience and the ability to deliver in crunch time.

Key Matchup Notes

• Riverside is 1-0 overall, with their lone win coming away from home. Friday will mark their first home game of the season.

• Hanover Area is 0-1, having dropped their opener on the road. This will also be their first road test outside the Wyoming Valley Conference slate.

• Neither team has faced a common opponent yet, but both will see Holy Cross, Old Forge, and Lake-Lehman later this season.

What’s at Stake

For Riverside, a victory would solidify their strong start and provide confidence before league play begins. For Hanover Area, the challenge is about regaining momentum and proving they can compete against higher-ranked opponents.

With Riverside’s stingy defense and Hanover Area’s potential for offensive bursts, Friday’s matchup could come down to whether the Hawkeyes can protect the ball and limit big plays from the Vikings in the fourth quarter.