Rob Stupar can claim bragging rights to something neither of his brothers can do. He helped his team to an undefeated regular season at State College. I should note here that one is in the NFL and the other one , Nate, plays for a currently undefeated Nittany Lion team. And just for kicks let’s also add that his father Steve was an outstanding Nittany lion in the 70s and, oh yes, his uncles name are Ron, Doug and Jeff Hostetler. A family used to winning traditions.
Tonight at Memorial Field, that winning tradition continued as State College defeated Chambersburg 38-3. The Little Lions opened the game strong on the legs of Stupar, who ran 9 times for 61 yards and a TD. That td coming at the end of the first drive making the score 7-0 in favor of State College. Following the victory, Nate Stupar said “I wouldn’t give a gameball for the season to anyone. This year has been a total team effort.” Chambersburg was unable to move the ball in the first quarter thanks to a stifling defense led by #85 Jake Reeder who had 3 blocked passes on the night. On their 3rd possession of the night the Little Lions methodically drove 54 yards ending with a 1 yard td run by James Avedesian and Zak Khayats pat made it 14-0 with 8:56 left in the second quarter. Reid Vanderlinden would later say that James “has worked very hard this year and has been a big part of where we are now”.
Chambersburg then began to move the ball, driving 65 yards to the State 15 but on 4th and 7 Erik Jacobs field goal attempt was blocked and the Little Lions took over at the 27. 5 plays later Alex Kenney, who had 59 yards rushing with a td run and 61 yards receiving with a td reception, got a lucky bounce off a defenders hands and the apparent interception landed in Kenneys hands. Alex the dragged 2 defenders the remaining 10 yards into the endzone for 6 points on the 48 yard reception. The pat was good giving State College at 21 point lead with 1:40 left in the half.
The Trojans proved feisty and moved the ball from their 21 to the Little Lion 18 where Jacobs booted a 3 pointer as time ran out, halftime score was 21-3. Chambersburg Coach David Carruthers pointed out that “had they made that blocked field goal we’re looking at 14-6 instead of 21-3. We’re still in this game”.
State College had other ideas. Coming out in the second half, State held the Trojans on 4th down at their 41. It took one play for Kenney to show his gold medal speed. Running left then cutting back to the center he burst downfield for a 59 yard TD run. “what a great bunch of blockers we have, I just have to hit the hole”. said Kenney. The score was 28-3 and the rout was on. Following an interception by Dan Avedesian at the State 47, the Little Lions drove downfield once again and Reid Vanderlinden capped the drive with a 7 yard run for 6 more. Khayat stayed perfect on the night giving State College a 35-3 lead. Chambersburg qb Brian Reese, who had 150 yards passing on 34 attempts, helped drive his team into scoring position again but on 4th down from the 16 his pass went incomplete ending the drive.
State College would add a field goal late in the game for the final score. Coach Wolski, a bit wet and cold from the traditional gatorade shower for leading his team undefeated and to the Mid Penn Conference title, said of the upcoming bye week that “he’s looking forward to giving his team a well deserved rest and it gives us time to prepare for the playoffs.” State Colleges next opponent will be determined following Saturdays games.
