PIAA 6A Quarterfinal Preview: Pittsburgh Central Catholic vs. State College
Tagged under: District 6, District 7, Gameday Hub, News, Playoffs
Noah Radio | November 20, 2025
In a rematch of last year’s quarterfinals, State College is set to take on Pittsburgh Central Catholic this Friday night at 7:00 at Altoona’s Mansion Park.
Last season, Central Catholic destroyed the Little Lions, 41-19, and went on to lose to St. Joseph’s Prep in the state championship.
This year, the Vikings are 11-1 with their lone loss coming to the state title favorites, La Salle College, back in August. They have topped 40 points in eight of their 12 games, and given up 20 or fewer points in every victory.
As the third-ranked team in 6A, Pittsburgh Central Catholic is the clear favorite in this game, and it would like to ride running back Roman Thompson to another dominant victory. Behind PCC’s huge offensive line, Thompson leads the Vikings in total touchdowns with 27.
However, State College has a strong offensive line of its own, as well as a palpable excitement around the program. The 10-2 Little Lions are led up front by 2024 all-state linemen Luke Milito and Matt Gaul, as well as 2025 All-Mid-Penn Commonwealth linemen Anthony Sheffey and TJ Bowser.
Behind that powerful front, Mid-Penn Commonwealth Offensive MVP D’Antae Sheffey is averaging 137.5 rushing yards per game, and sophomore quarterback Connor Kulka has enjoyed a breakout season, earning him All-Mid Penn Commonwealth Second Team honors.
Junior Kellen Williams is another one of State College’s 12 all-conference players, and he explained the optimism around the big-time matchup.
“We feel great, we’re gonna work our tails off this week. Get in there, weight room, every single day, come out, prepare, get a good gameplan in, eat right, do everything we need to do, and come out victorious in that game,” Williams said.
With strong preparation, it’s going to be difficult, but not impossible, for State College to overcome the pure athleticism of Pittsburgh Central Catholic. The goal for the Little Lions will have to be to stay in the game as long as possible, and rely on playmakers like Sheffey, Kulka, Hank Lustig and Daimear Coad to supply big offensive plays late to steal a victory.
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