Mount Union Uses Strong Second Half to Pull Away From Penns Valley, Advances in District Six Playoffs

Tagged under: Centre County Report, District 6, Gameday Hub, News, pfn, Playoffs

Tristan Klinefelter | November 7, 2026

Mount Union used a strong second-half performance to pull away from the Penns Valley Rams, earning a 42-20 victory and advancing to the next round of the PIAA District Six Class 2A playoffs.

The game featured several momentum swings, turnovers and big plays, but Mount Union found its rhythm in the second half to put the Rams away.

Penns Valley got off to a difficult start, fumbling the opening kickoff and giving Mount Union possession at the Rams’ 25-yard line. Mount Union quickly capitalized, as Maddox Hobbs scored on a 14-yard touchdown run to give the Trojans a 7-0 lead with 9:02 remaining in the first quarter.

The Rams’ opening possession stalled after Mount Union’s Cameron McClure came away with an interception.

Penns Valley responded later in the first quarter when Cael Smith connected with Emery Reed for a 31-yard touchdown. The extra point was unsuccessful, leaving Mount Union with a 7-6 lead with 1:10 remaining in the quarter.

Penns Valley’s Cael Smith hits Emery Reed for the 31-yard touchdown. Mount Union 7 Penns Valley 6. @PaFootballNews https://t.co/JrKj9KmBLg

— Tristan Klinefelter (@TristanK_PFN) November 7, 2026

The Smith-to-Reed connection struck again in the second quarter. This time, the duo connected for a 25-yard touchdown to put Penns Valley ahead 12-7 with 5:33 remaining before halftime.

Mount Union answered late in the half as Nasir Collins found the end zone on a 6-yard touchdown run with just 48 seconds remaining. The Trojans converted the extra point to take a 14-12 lead into halftime.

The second half opened with another special teams turnover, as Mount Union fumbled the opening kickoff and Penns Valley recovered at the Trojans’ 32-yard line.

However, the Rams were unable to capitalize on the opportunity and were forced to punt.

Mount Union took advantage of the next possession, as Collins broke free for a 66-yard touchdown run to extend the Trojans’ lead to 21-12.

Mount Union’s Nasir Collins with the 66-yard touchdown. Mount Union 21 Penns Valley 12. @PaFootballNews https://t.co/ueOD0ZD9MP

— Tristan Klinefelter (@TristanK_PFN) November 7, 2026

Penns Valley continued to battle back. Smith connected with Reed for the third time on the night, bringing the Rams within one at 21-20.

The Trojans fumbled on their next possession, giving Penns Valley another opportunity to take the lead. However, the Rams gave the ball right back when Hussan Posey came away with an interception.

Mount Union quickly turned the turnover into points. Collins connected with TyJeir Hooper for a 46-yard touchdown, extending the Trojans’ lead to 28-20 with 1:37 remaining in the third quarter.

Mount Union fumbled again on its next possession, but Penns Valley was unable to turn the turnover into points.

The Trojans continued to build their lead in the fourth quarter, with Collins scoring on a 9-yard touchdown run to make it 42-20 with 3:54 remaining and the final score for Friday night’s game.

Mount Union head coach Jamie Brumbaugh said his team had to overcome adversity throughout the night but was pleased with the opportunity to continue playing in November.

“If you can win in November, that’s a good thing,” Brumbaugh said. “We dealt with some adversity tonight in the second half, but that’s a big football team, strong football team.”

Despite the victory, Brumbaugh acknowledged that his team had areas to clean up following a game filled with turnovers and mistakes.

“Sloppy, we were sloppy throughout the night, and we were able to overcome it,” Brumbaugh said.

With the 42-20 victory, Mount Union advances to the next round of the PIAA District Six Class 2A playoffs, while Penns Valley’s season comes to an end.