If the Little Lions want to secure a spot in the PIAA AAAA playoffs, a win tonight against Cumberland Valley will go a long way towards doing just that.
State College enters the game 5-4 on the year and 4-2 in district play. The Little Lions are only a game behind the district leading Cumberland Valley which is tied with Central Dauphin at 5-1 in district play.
The Little Lions will rely on 1,000-yard passer Patrick Irwin and a State College offense capable of putting up points. The Little Lions have averaged 29.2 points per game through nine game season. Interestingly enough, Irwin has thrown the ball just over 30 times more than he has run it, making him the poster boy for a dual-threat quarterback.
Where the Little Lions are happy to throw the ball, Cumberland Valley relies on the legs of 5-foot-8 running back Tyler Updegraff who has just over 1,000 yards rushing. The Rams’ offense has generated just over 2,100 yards on the ground thanks to Updegraff’s efforts along with senior Tyler Heisey who has 574 yards on the ground to his name.
A State College win would secure the 10th straight season of at least six or more wins. The Little Lions would also end the regular season on a three-game winning streak after an up and down start to the 2013 campaign. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. Friday at Cumberland Valley.
