Westmont Hilltop and Penn Cambria are an even 5-5 against one another since October of 2014, but not for long. The Westmont Hilltop Hilltoppers will welcome the Penn Cambria Panthers at 7:00 p.m. on Friday. Westmont Hilltop, yet to win a game, are hoping to taste some of the success that has characterized Penn Cambria's (thus far) undefeated season.
Westmont Hilltop came up short against Greater Johnstown on Saturday, falling 42-21. For those keeping track at home, that's the biggest loss the Hilltoppers have suffered against the Trojans since September 16, 2017.
Despite the defeat, Westmont Hilltop saw an underclassman step up: Bryce Goodman rushed for 82 yards and a touchdown. The bulk of those rushing yards came from one huge play: a run that gained an incredible 53 yards.
Even though they lost, Westmont Hilltop was unstoppable on the ground and finished the game with 261 rushing yards. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now rushed for at least 261 rushing yards in four consecutive contests.
Meanwhile, winning is always nice, but doing so behind a season-high score is even better (just ask Penn Cambria). They took their game at home on Friday with ease, bagging a 36-0 victory over Central Cambria. Given the Panthers' advantage in MaxPreps' Pennsylvania football rankings (they are ranked 95th, while the Red Devils are ranked 456th), the result wasn't entirely unexpected.
Penn Cambria can attribute much of their success to Thomas Plunkett, who rushed for 72 yards and two touchdowns, and Brady Jones, who rushed for 115 yards and a touchdown on only 15 carries. The dominant performance gave Jones a new career-high in rushing yards.
Penn Cambria's defense stepped up as well, laying out Hunter Pittsinger. three times. Leading the way was Mason Mento with two sacks.
Westmont Hilltop's loss dropped their record down to 0-5. As for Penn Cambria, they pushed their record up to 5-0 with the win, which was their ninth straight at home dating back to last season.
Friday's matchup might be decided in the on the ground. Westmont Hilltop has been unstoppable on the ground this season, having averaged 266 rushing yards per game. However, it's not like Penn Cambria struggles in that department as they've been averaging 249.4. It's looking like Friday's match might have some serious battles in the trenches.
Westmont Hilltop took a serious blow against Penn Cambria when the teams last played back in September of 2023, falling 39-0. Will Westmont Hilltop have more luck at home instead of on the road? Check MaxPreps after the match for a full breakdown of the game, commentary, and other football content.
Article generated by infoSentience based on data entered on MaxPreps
