The latest season of PCS Football delivered an eventful and competitive string of matchups that underscored the league’s growing prominence in high school athletics. As schools across the conference continue to invest in coaching and training infrastructure, the general level of play has risen dramatically—bringing packed stands, regional attention, and a crop of standout student-athletes that may soon compete at the collegiate level. This article outlines major season highlights, reviews team performances, and showcases standout players who left an undeniable mark on the gridiron.
Season Overview
This year’s PCS Football season was marked by intense rivalries, strategic plays, and extraordinary individual efforts. With fan turnout reaching new heights and increased media coverage, the atmosphere surrounding each Friday night clash was electric. The season kicked off in early September and concluded with the championship game in mid-November, featuring a tightly contested battle between perennial contenders.
The league comprised ten schools this year, each fielding varsity squads led by experienced coaches and promising athletes. The regular season followed a round-robin format, with the top four teams progressing into a playoff bracket. Games were often decided in the fourth quarter, reflecting parity across the board and a level of unpredictability that kept fans engaged throughout the fall.
Top Teams This Season
Several teams demonstrated exceptional teamwork and consistency. Here’s a breakdown of the top contenders:
- Ridgeview Academy: Ridgeview closed the regular season with a flawless 9-0 record. Anchored by a rock-solid defense that allowed only 8.6 points per game, they dominated both sides of the ball. Head Coach Brian Galton’s system emphasized disciplined formations and tactical flexibility.
- Midland Prep: The biggest surprise team this season, Midland clinched the second playoff seed with an 8-1 record. Their spread offense, led by junior quarterback Darius Coleman, consistently challenged opposing secondaries.
- St. Helena’s Catholic: Always a competitive threat, St. Helena’s showcased a well-rounded team built on senior leadership. Despite an early-season loss, they rebounded with critical wins in October to secure playoff qualification.
- East Ridge High: Known for their gritty play style and special teams excellence, East Ridge edged into the postseason with a 6-3 record. Their kickoff return unit led the league with three touchdowns on returns.
Key Games That Defined the Season
With a season packed with action, a few matchups stood out for their drama and impact on the standings:
- Ridgeview Academy vs. Midland Prep: Touted as a “preview of the finals,” this Week 6 game did not disappoint. While Ridgeview ultimately prevailed 24-21, the back-and-forth affair highlighted both teams’ capacity to perform under pressure.
- St. Helena’s Catholic vs. East Ridge: A must-win game for both teams in Week 9, St. Helena’s emerged victorious after a fourth-quarter interception sealed their win. The 17-14 final score reflected the defensive intensity on display.
- Playoff Semifinal – Midland Prep vs. St. Helena’s: In perhaps the most thrilling game of the year, Midland pulled off an overtime victory with a game-winning boot from sophomore kicker Alex Judson. Final score: 30-27.
The Championship Showdown
The championship game brought together Ridgeview Academy and Midland Prep in what was widely regarded as the most anticipated matchup of the season. Played at a neutral venue with nearly 7,000 fans in attendance, the game was a chess match between two well-coached squads.
Ridgeview’s offense focused on time-of-possession, limiting Midland’s explosive big-play potential. The final score of 21-17 in Ridgeview’s favor sealed their undefeated season and was a fitting capstone to a dominant campaign. Senior linebacker Caleb Stone was named the game’s MVP for his 11-tackle, 2-sack performance that broke up multiple Midland drives.
Player Highlights
This PCS Football season saw numerous athletes step into the spotlight. While many players contributed to their team’s success, a few emerged as top-tier talents deserving special recognition:
- Caleb Stone, LB, Ridgeview Academy: The defensive anchor, Caleb’s leadership and athleticism defined Ridgeview’s season. He recorded a league-best 104 tackles and forced four fumbles.
- Darius Coleman, QB, Midland Prep: Known for his poise and accuracy, Coleman threw for over 2,300 yards and 21 touchdowns. His dual-threat capabilities made defending Midland’s offense particularly difficult.
- Elijah Grant, WR, St. Helena’s: Elijah’s precise route running and dependable hands made him the go-to target. He led the league with 11 touchdown receptions.
- Jamal Henderson, RB, East Ridge High: A workhorse back, Henderson ended the season with 1,122 rushing yards and 13 scores. His tenacity and physicality set the tone for East Ridge’s ground-first approach.
Coaching Strategies and Trends
This season also saw innovative coaching methods gaining traction across the league. Zone-read offenses were favored by teams such as Midland Prep and East Ridge, enabling quarterbacks to make live reads and adjust mid-play. On defense, hybrid linebacker-safety roles became prevalent, allowing greater coverage flexibility while maintaining run support.
Several coaches invested in offseason development clinics, and increased use of film room analysis gave many schools a competitive edge, especially in adjusting playbooks week-to-week based on opponent tendencies.
Looking Ahead
With the fall 2024 season already on the horizon, expectations remain high for PCS Football programs. Several underclassmen, including sophomore running back Tyler Mays of St. Helena’s and defensive end Marcus Lin of Ridgeview, are poised to break out next year.
Additionally, off-field developments such as stadium renovations and scholarship funding initiatives show that schools are committed to the long-term success of their football programs. These efforts promise both improved infrastructure and expanded student-athlete opportunities moving forward.
Conclusion
The 2023 PCS Football season marked a step forward for both the league and the communities that support it. Through disciplined execution, thrilling matchups, and the emergence of promising young athletes, the league proved it remains a vital part of local high school athletic culture. As teams look ahead to 2024, one thing is clear: PCS Football continues to grow in talent, excitement, and competitiveness—solidifying its place on the regional sports landscape.