Penn Cambria vs Central Cambria Game Preview

Tagged under: District 6, Gameday Hub, News, pfn

Baron Dionis | September 19, 2025

Big rivalry this week in the Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference as Penn Cambria heads to Central Cambria to face off for their annual game. Winner takes home the goal post trophy. The game between the two this year could be better than years past as Central Cambria has already tallied two wins and has a strong run game. Penn Cambria has obviously been a team that could be ranked in 3A with multiple blowout victories, but they did fall to Forest Hills.

At 3-1, Penn Cambria is the likely winner of this contest, but Central Cambria believes they have a shot at this game.

“In order to come away with a victory, we’re going to have to be physical, execute our assignments consistently, and play a clean game,” Central Cambria Head Coach Wade Klezek explained. “They’re a team that has had a lot of recent success, explosive athletes, and a multi-year QB. If you give up big plays or have too many penalties against a team like that, they’ll make you pay.”

Penn Cambria knows not to take Central Cambria lightly. They nearly could have the same record as them, but that is just not how it crumbled.

“They are a good football team,” Penn Cambria Head Coach Jason Grassi replied. “They realistically could be 3-1 right now as well and they have been in every game. They run the ball really well & play good defense. We will need to stop the run first and foremost. And we need to play 48 minutes of football. If we can do that we will be in good shape.”

The strong thing about Central Cambria this season has been their run game. Ryan Chappell has been their go-to guy and has accounted for 712 rushing yards. AJ Galli is their only receiver with over 100 yards at 131 on six grabs. Their defense has been their best trait so far, holding a ranked Richland team to just 21 points. Their next three opponents have each only scored 14. That is what makes them feel like to have a chance in this big game.

“Winning this game would mean a lot to our kids and would be a great win for our program,” Coach Klezek stated. “We want to be playing in big games, and eventually, meaningful games come November. This is a great opportunity to prepare us for that. The Penn Cambria game is always a huge rivalry, a game that each team really looks forward to every year. It has everything you want in a high school sports rivalry and both sides really take pride in it.”

This game is very meaningful to both programs. Winning that trophy is very exciting for the season and for these local teams its a big deal.

“It’s a huge game because it’s the next game but it is also important if we want to get to where we want to be,” Coach Grassi stated “Our kids are excited for the opportunity to play a big rivalry game on the road. These are the games you talk about when you get older.”

It will be a fun game to watch on Friday night if Central Cambria’s defense can stop such a talented offense. Blake Lilly has been a lethal receiver so far, accounting for 461 receiving yards and seven touchdowns. Brady Jones has been the slinger getting him the ball, posting 711 yards with a 58% completion rate.

A big win here could help get Penn Cambria back into the top 10 in 3A and the favorite for the D6 championship. An upset from Central Cambria is on the table and could make them an underdog for the D6 2A championship.

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