The State College Little Lions dominated the Altoona Mountain Lions in what could be the last chapter of a spirited football rivalry between the two schools.
The Mountain Lions are moving from the Mid-Penn Conference to the WPIAL for football next season. Scheduling conflicts will eliminate the rivalry game for at least two years.
State College’s Alex Kenney shined during a rainy homecoming night at Memorial Field, as his performance in the 36-7 Little Lion victory will be remembered as one of the best in the rivalry. The Penn State recruit picked off three Mountain Lion passes and returned one for a touchdown. Kenney added two more rushing touchdowns in the blowout.
“It’s a shame this is the last time we get to play Altoona, but I am happy we got a W,” said Kenney.
The game was never in doubt for State College. One could argue the most suspense came during halftime when the crowd awaited the announcement of Adam Baker and Mauvette Malizia as Homecoming King and Queen respectively.
State College (7-1) dictated from the start. The Little Lions won the coin toss and elected to take the ball first. State College marched down the field and scored on a Matt Mazzara six-yard touchdown run. Mazzara began running to his right, pivoted and cut to his left and walked in for a touchdown.
Mazzara received the start at quarterback for the Little Lions after Dom Mills suffered from a temperature of 102 degrees and flu-like symptoms earlier in the day.
“Matt came in and did what he needed to do,” said State College head coach Al Wolski. “He ran the team tonight and made great decisions.”
The Little Lions played stifling defense and their offense moved the ball down the field with little resistance from the Mountain Lions. Altoona scored its only points with 1:02 left in the game.
“I feel like this is the first game that we really put together two halves on offense and defense,” said Kenney.
Kenney created most of the highlights for State College, but Colby Way made a heads up play when Altoona (2-6) attempted a lateral swing pass toward the Mountain Lion sideline. The pass was mishandled and Way grabbed the loose ball off of the wet turf and ran 60 yards for a touchdown.
The Little Lions will not have much time to celebrate the victory over their rival, as they host the Bishop McDevitt Crusaders next week at Memorial Field.
“I don’t think anyone has gotten within 30 or 35 points of them,” said Wolski. “It going to be a big game and we’ve got our work cut out for us.”
The Crusaders are considered to be the No. 1 ranked team in the state of Pennsylvania.
“I have been thinking about McDevitt all year,” said Kenney. “We’re an underdog, so we will have to play our best and hopefully we can get a win.”
