Football Preview: State College Little Lions vs. McDowell Trojans
State College is 6-1 against McDowell since November of 2014, and they'll have a chance to extend that success on Friday. The State College Little Lions have the luxury of staying home for another week and will welcome the McDowell Trojans at 7:00 p.m. State College's defense has only allowed 12.1 points per game this season, so McDowell's offense will have their work cut out for them.
State College is coming in fresh off a high-stakes matchup with another one of Pennsylvania's top teams: Bishop McDevitt, who was ranked 19th in their home state at the time (State College was ranked 12th). State College skirted past Bishop McDevitt 58-55. The defensive woes were uncharacteristic for the Little Lions, who until this match were averaging 12.1 points allowed.
State College had a senior duo take command as Ty Salazer picked up 221 receiving yards and three touchdowns and Eddie Corkery threw for 409 yards and four touchdowns while picking up 13.2 yards per attempt. Salazer really caught the secondary sleeping when he pulled down a catch that went for 75 yards. State College also got a significant boost from Lamar Wilson, who ran away from the competition to the tune of 113 yards.
State College didn't go easy on the quarterback and picked off two passes before the game was over. The picks came courtesy of Michael Gaul and Cooper Brushwood.
Meanwhile, McDowell didn't have too much trouble with Erie on Friday as they won 28-14.
McDowell had a senior duo take command as Stephon Porter gained 99 total yards and two touchdowns and Blayze Myers rushed for 69 yards and a touchdown on only eight carries.
One reason for the win was McDowell's imposing defense, which managed to get into the backfield for five sacks. Leading the way was Daymar Dickerson with two. McDowell got some further help from Amir Jones: he picked up a sack and made six total tackles (3.0 for loss).
State College pushed their record up to 9-1 with the win, which was their seventh straight at home dating back to last season. As for McDowell, they have been performing well recently as they've won six of their last eight matchups, which provided a nice bump to their 7-4 record this season.
We should be in store for an exciting game as the two teams have no problem gaining yardage. State College has been on an offensive roll this season, having averaged 381.4 total yards per game. However, it's not like McDowell struggles in that department as they've been averaging 383. With a pair of commanding offenses duking it out, the defenses are going to have their work cut out for them.
State College took a serious blow against McDowell in their previous meeting back in November of 2023, falling 47-20. Will State College have more luck at home instead of on the road? Check MaxPreps after the action for a full breakdown of the game and more football content.
Article generated by infoSentience based on data entered on MaxPreps
