Little Lions Drown Huskies’ Championship Dreams, 42-7
Tagged under: District 6, News
Nate Grella | November 3, 2018
The rain came down in full force on Friday night for a District 6 Championship rematch between the Mifflin County Huskies and the State College Little Lions. Aside from a poor showing in Harrisburg several weeks before, the Little Lions dominated their schedule, while Mifflin County came into the game riding a 6-game winning streak after losing all of their out-of-conference games. “We knew, on their twitter, Mifflin County was talking a lot,” said Dresyn Green about Mifflin County coming into the match, “We really like that, it brings a lot of hype to the game, so we can come out and give it to them.”
State College’s Ellis has a pair of touchdowns in the late first and early second quarters to put the Lions up 14-0@WPAFootball pic.twitter.com/g9KtryJMdK
— Nick Haushalter (@NickHaus75) November 2, 2018
Mifflin County, following a strong statement win at home last week against West Perry for a share of the MidPenn Colonial division title, came in hot and extended drives deep into State High territory, however early on, the State High defense held the Huskies scoreless on two 4th-down stops. Keaton Ellis would be the difference, as a touchdown catch on one side of the field followed by a dramatic, diving, one-handed catch on the other side of the field put the Lions up by 14. Cohen Russell gave the Lions a lead by 21 on the following drive coming from a back-shoulder fade by Tommy Friberg with 8:30 left in the 2nd quarter.
Tommy Friberg would deliver Lions fans exactly what was desired. A 9 for 11 night for 92 yards and 3 touchdowns would break Chris Ganter’s team passing record and etch Friberg’s name into State High history.
Big shoutout to @Tfriberg8 on passing @ChristoGanter to become State High’s all time leading passer 🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/iIoIxLhe2w
— Cam Renfrew (@camrenfrew) November 3, 2018
In the Second Half, Dre Green would keep the Lions on the gas pedal. A touchdown early by Isaiah Edwards early in the 3rd extended the State High lead, while later in the 3rd, Green extended a Little Lion drive of his own on a 4th and 4 in Huskie territory. Green would end up leading the team in yards with 210 on 14 carries, with a long of 68 yards early in the 4th, en route to scoring a touchdown to put the Lions up by 35.
The State High defense was dominant against a strong and well led Mifflin County Defense, holding Husky QB Noah Wright to an 8 for 26 showing, and only allowing 7 points on the night.
The rain was a factor throughout the night for both teams, but the Huskies looked to be the most impacted, transitioning from a grass field. “This hasn’t happened for a while, State High having an extra home game,” Green said on the home field advantage “We’re used to practicing on this field, and slipping, so were used to that type of environment.”
FINAL: State College 42, Mifflin County 7. The Lions secure a district 6 championship and advance to the next round of the 6A PA state playoffs@WPAFootball pic.twitter.com/PKx2dBjFD1
— Nick Haushalter (@NickHaus75) November 3, 2018
Synopsis: Much like their match up in the first week of the year, the Defense shined for State High, while the offense asserted their dominance over the overmatched Huskies. State College wins the District 6 title once again with a stellar performance from all key offensive contributors. State College powered through another above average opponent, en route for what they hope will be another deep playoff run.
What’s Next: For Mifflin County, the ride is over, and a promising underdog in the 6A playoffs will be sent home disappointed. State College will continue on into the 6, 8, 10 final against the winner of the McDowell- Taylor Allerdice game on Saturday night.
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