In 2014 the State College Little Lions slogged through a 6-7 season [3-4 in district play] before finally seeing their season end in state quarterfinals versus Pine Richland.
The good news? The forecast for the 2015 season is looking up for the Little Lions. State College will be lead by second year head coach Matt Lintal and all indications are that the team is looking sharp on both sides of the ball heading into this season.
This year’s squad will be captained by four seniors; Jordan Misher (#1), Stan Martin (#5), T. Nathan King, (#47), and Douglous Swoboda (#68).
Running back Misher, a 5’10” all-state caliber will run the ball for State College, along side eight other returning offensive starters. Misher carried the ball nearly 1,550 yards on the ground last season.
The new starting quarterback job is still up for grabs but prospects include sophomore Drew Friberg (#8), junior Tyler Snyder (#4), and seniors Tristan Daman (#3) and Vinnie Albegiani (#13).
Friberg is a rising 6-foot-5 tenth grader who was an All Mid Pen varsity basketball player his freshman year and led the freshman football team to an impressive 8-1 season. Snyder is #1 going into camp and also led the junior varsity team with an undefeated 2014 season. Daman is regarded as one of the fastest athletes at State High and is also a member of the track and field team.
LB/RB Martin and LB Gabe Manyak (#45) will be leading the team defensively with a handful of returning vets, including DE Sheldon Davis (#64) and Altoona transfer Alec Aspray (#7).
The Little Lions special teams is looking solid as well. Senior Kevin Valentine (#17) is a major returning threat after earning first team Mid-Penn honors in 2014.
Alongside Valentine, Brett Graham (#81) an All-Conference punter will be returning this year. State High also has two retuning and experienced kickers, both whom have great potential for a successful season.
The Little Lions will begin their season on the road against Spring Ford High School this Friday at 7 p.m.
State High will have their home opener on September 18th at 7 p.m. The Little Lions will have to wait several week for a big one on the calendar at home against Central Dauphin on Oct. 9 at 7 p.m.
