Copyright Mechanicsburg Patriot News
Mid-Penn Commonwealth rep State College has waited two long weeks to open its postseason, but the Little Lions are set to travel to Erie Friday for a PIAA 6A subregional clash with McDowell. Below is a closer look at the matchup. State College at McDowell 7 p.m. Friday, Gus Anderson Field, Erie THE LITTLE LIONS (8-2): Because Matt Lintal’s crew claimed an uncontested District 6 title, the Little Lions have been idling since their Oct. 24 setback to Bishop McDevitt. So, figure QB Connor Kulka, RB D’Antae Sheffey and the rest of that high-powered offense are eager to apply their trade again. Yes, the Crusaders interrupted a six-game win streak, but McDowell must account for multiple outside threats in AJ Fry, Daimear Coad, Han Lustig and more. That trio has combined for 17 TD receptions. Also, it’s no picnic going against LB Trayce Brennan and that SC defense to boot. THE TROJANS (4-7): Interestingly enough, the Trojans were idle a week ago, as well, as the other 6A franchise Erie High opted out of the District 10 title round. The reason from Erie head coach Andre Henderson? Lack of healthy players. So, McDowell needs to rev back up in a hurry, and that means getting RB Brody Bonsall on pace early. The Trojans also can deploy QBs Lucas Sult and versatile Deonte Flemings depending on the flow of the game. This one, however, likely comes down to McDowell’s defensive front, where senior John Nelson leads the way. SC has put up some crooked numbers against a much better schedule of opponents. X-FACTOR: Early influence. Only twice as Sheffey been held below 115 rushing yards this season. Those were losses to Harrisburg and McD. If the Syracuse commit is chewing up yards early, McDowell’s home field advantage won’t mean much. THE PICK: State College 38, McDowell 14 Follow Eric Epler on X/Twitter -- @threejacker
