The 2026 PIAA Class A baseball championship will be contested on Friday at Penn State, where Eden Christian Academy and Dock Mennonite Academy stand ready to etch their names into Pennsylvania high school sports lore.
A historic pursuit
Eden Christian, a private school from the suburbs, enters the final with a 19‑4 record and an eight‑game winning streak that began on April 27. The Warriors have already dispatched Clarion, West Middlesex and Elk County Catholic to reach this stage, and they are chasing their first state crown, a milestone that would make them the 26th Class A champion in tournament history.
Dock Mennonite arrives with a 14‑5 ledger and a six‑game streak that started May 11. The Eagles have navigated a tougher path, overcoming Christian School of York, Nativity BVM and Homer‑Center, and they bring a flawless 3‑0 record in PIAA finals to the mound.
Both teams are anchored by standout seniors. Eden’s Brady Hull and Noah Emswiler have been pivotal, with Hull delivering clutch hits and Emswiler earning three postseason victories. Dock counters with Ethan Kratz, who tops the lineup at .534 with three homers and 23 RBIs, and Mason Bicht, batting .519 and driving in 29 runs.
Coach Mark Feldman of Eden has spoken openly about his admiration for Dock’s talent and the job his staff has done, acknowledging that the Eagles present a formidable challenge. The respect is mutual; Dock’s coach has praised the Warriors’ pitching depth and disciplined approach.
The upcoming clash is more than a battle of records; it is a narrative that ties together decades of Class A lore. From Camp Hill’s surprise triumph in 1999 to Greensburg Central Catholic’s breakthrough in 2002, the tournament has produced a handful of District 1 champions, and only three have ever captured the title. As the Warriors and Eagles prepare to swing, the stakes extend beyond a single game, promising a story that will be recounted for years.