After Northwestern’s impressive 31-14 win over Danville last week, Tigers’ head coach Josh Snyder mentioned he believed it was his team’s mission and destiny to get back to the state championship once again this season.

It wasn’t talked about, and wasn’t addressed. It was merely Northwestern taking care of business, and the players and coaches bringing a business-like approach to practices and games each and every week.

So, here we are.

The District 11 Class 3A champion Tigers will face off with District 7 champion Avonworth Saturday afternoon at 1 p.m. at Cumberland Valley High School’s Chapman Field in the PIAA 3A state title game.

Northwestern (15-0) has been absolutely dominant throughout the postseason. The Tigers have defeated Saucon Valley (40-12), North Schuylkill (36-7), Conwell-Egan (49-7), Danville (35-0) and Scranton Prep (31-14) by an average margin of victory of 30.2 points.

It has been mentioned many times since the beginning of the season, but Northwestern has been simply superior in the trenches.

On the offensive side of the ball, the Tigers are averaging 292.3 yards per game on the ground. Running back Eli Zimmerman has put together the best rushing season in Northwestern history, as he’s rushed for an incredible 2,548 yards and 24 rushing scores at almost 12 yards per carry. Last week, Zimmerman smashed his previous NW single-game rushing yards mark, tallying 337 yards on 34 carries.

The Tigers didn’t waste any time establishing the run game last week against Danville, going 64 yards on eight straight running plays on their opening possession of the game to take a 7-0 lead.

As it has does week-in and week-out, Northwestern will again look to get its run game going early and often by establishing physicality along the line of scrimmage.

“Offensively, we’re going to need to stay on schedule and our playmakers are going to have to make plays when available,” said Snyder.

“Our offensive line is going to have to create some seams against a really good front eight. They play a 4-4 defense, and their defensive front is really good, and they’re backed up by a linebacker group that tackles really well. We like how we match up with them. I also think our play action pass game will be critical for us.”

As expected, Northwestern will be dealing with one of its toughest defensive assignments to date against a tough-running Antelopes’ offense.

Avonworth is going to look to — first and foremost — establish its run game as well. The Antelopes operate a spread offense running attack, and of late it has been its leading rushers in brothers Nico Neal (770 yards, 11 TDs) and Luca Neal (766 yards, 5 TDs) lining up in a wild cat look with double wings with the direct snap going to the running back.

Avonworth is averaging 200 yards rushing per game at 6.1 yards per carry. Demitri Velisaris has also been a good runner for the Antelopes, as he’s run for 583 yards and eight scores.

On the season, the Northwestern defenses giving up allowing just 82 rushing yards per game.

“Defensively, we’re going to really have to tackle. They have a couple of good running backs that they direct snap the ball to,” said Snyder. “They like to take three or four yards at a time and really work the clock. They like to try and take control of the game on the ground.

“We’re going to need to do a good job of recognizing formations and fly to the football and tackle well as a team.”

Avonworth is 12-3 and has played in some tightly-contested battles on its way to the 3A state title game.

The Antelopes defeated Imani Christian Academy (14-6), Central Valley (17-0) and Penn-Cambria (16-6). The Anteloples’ three losses in the regular season all came to very good teams in Aliquippa, Thomas Jefferson and Beaver.

Avonworth then came back to beat Beaver to avenge its earlier season loss with a 42-21 victory in the District 7 3A championship game.

“We’re going up against a really good football team,” said Snyder. “They have been on an impressive playoff run, and they have played some really good opponents throughout the course of the season.

“It’s been an amazing run for us as well, especially coming off the state championship game in 2023. We have taken it one game at a time to get back here. We have great leadership from our seniors, and all of our guys have played really good football this year with extremely high expectations.

“I’m so proud of the team and coaching staff for getting back to the state championship for the second straight year.”