Sometimes when it rains it pours. That was what State College learned on Saturday afternoon falling 27-7 as Harrisburg rattled off 27-straight points in the second half to advance to the PIAA 6A State Finals. The loss gives the Little Lions their first and only defeat of the season.
In a game that literally started in the rain at Mansion Park in Altoona, neither team could find much offensive momentum in the opening quarter of play. As the rain subsided each offense began to gather its own confidence and momentum before 11-yard run by D’Antae Sheffey put State College on the board first to take a 7-0 lead with 7:58 to go in the second quarter. Harrisburg was held scoreless in the opening half, but that deficit would not last long in the second.
Harrisburg’s second half onslaught began with a bang, Kyle Williams Jr. cranking out a 34-yard touchdown run to put Harrisburg on the board early in the third quarter. The ensuing two-point conversion gave Harrisburg the lead shortly thereafter, now ahead 8-7 with 9:36 to go in the third quarter. Williams scored again not long after on a direct snap from just outside State College’s end zone. The ensuing conversion attempt came up short putting Harrisburg ahead by a more familiar 14-7 margin.
With 1:10 to go in the third quarter Williams broke the 200-yard mark on the day as a 49-yard touchdown run and ensuing failed conversion attempt put Harrisburg ahead 20-7 in the waning moments of the third quarter. State College drove down field to open the fourth quarter, but an interception in the end zone on fourth down — the pass was tipped en route to a receiver — would snuff out any comeback hopes.
Williams made his curtain call score from just a few yards out in the fourth quarter to give him his fourth touchdown of the game with 5:40 left in regulation and put Harrisburg ahead 27-7.
State College ends its season with a 13-1 record. Head coach Matt Lintal took home Mid-Penn Coach of The Year honors as the Little Lions fell short in the state semifinals for the second consecutive year.
The Cougars will play St. Joe’s Prep next Saturday at Cumberland Valley High School for the 6A state title.
