HARRISBURG – Coming into week eight action, the Mid Penn Commonwealth Title was a three-team race. With Cumberland Valley’s loss Friday night, the State College Little Lions had a chance to take control of the League race Saturday afternoon vs Harrisburg at Severance Field. Using a balanced offensive attack, a solid defensive effort, and flawless special teams, State College (8-0, 5-0) turned back an undermanned Harrisburg (5-2, 4-1) squad 20-6.
Little Lions QB Finn Furmenak managed the game very effectively and had one TD toss. Placekicker Kajetan Kaszubowski had field goals of 33&25 yards with two extra points.
“This is a tough place to play,” said State College Head Coach Matt Lintal. “Any time you come in here (Severance Field) and get a win, it’s a great win.” QB Finn Furmenak said, “We definitely had to do multiple things to keep them off guard today.” “We wanted to use so many of our weapons so they would not know where the ball was going.”
State College struck first in the game. The Little Lions intercepted a Harrisburg pass on the Cougars opening possession and turned it into a Field Goal.
Underway as @SCSDAthletics Kajetan Kazubowski nails a 25 yard field goal! 3-0 over @Hbg_Sch_Dist 7:21 quarter one @HSFBamerica @BadgleyBruce pic.twitter.com/etCGaS9AY0
— EasternPAFootball (@EPAFootball) October 15, 2022
Harrisburg’s next possession yielded a big play and points. Watch this TD from QB Zakii Lewis to RB Kyle Williams. The Cougars were up 6-3 as we ended quarter one.
Check out this 68 yard TD from QB Zakii Lewis to Kyle Williams! @HBGCougar_FBall now up 6-3 over @SCSDAthletics 4:27 quarter 1 @BadgleyBruce @PremiunSports @HSFBamerica pic.twitter.com/kd5ATR51CE
— EasternPAFootball (@EPAFootball) October 15, 2022
The second quarter was a defensive slugfest. State College finally got things going via the versatile Ty Salazar Ty’s nice punt return and a nifty reception set up a D’Andre Sheffey dive and a 10-6 State College lead.
Touchdown @SCSDAthletics ! Dantae Sheffey dives in from the 2. Big play on the @SCSDAthletics drive this Finn Furmanek to Ty Salazar reception. 10-6 over @HBGCougar_FBall 3:16 until halftime @Mid_Penn @BadgleyBruce @HSFBamerica pic.twitter.com/klrlNbFpQL
— EasternPAFootball (@EPAFootball) October 15, 2022
State College had one final shot before halftime and took advantage. Furmanek hit Mike Gaul down the seam to make it 17-6 Little Lions at the half.
A fine 32 yard TD reception by @SCSDAthletics Michael Gaul ! Now up 17-6 over @HBGCougar_FBall as we are at halftime @HSFBamerica @Mid_Penn @BadgleyBruce @PremiunSports pic.twitter.com/eo9BYbFd9L
— EasternPAFootball (@EPAFootball) October 15, 2022
The third quarter featured the State College ball control offense grinding away the quarter. Most of the fourth quarter featured the game of keep away ala State College as well. The Little Lions closed out the scoring with a field goal and a 20-6 win.
JUST that close for @HBGCougar_FBall as we end quarter 3. After a scoreless 3rd we go to the 4th quarter @scasdathletics 17 @Hbg_Sch_Dist 6 @Mid_Penn @HSFBamerica @BadgleyBruce @PremiunSports pic.twitter.com/ZNKWLERjDx
— EasternPAFootball (@EPAFootball) October 15, 2022
Kaszubowski a 33 yard Field goal this time for @SCSDAthletics Now up 20-6 over @HBGCougar_FBall 5:22 left @BadgleyBruce @PremiunSports @HSFBamerica pic.twitter.com/fJPXQdyi72
— EasternPAFootball (@EPAFootball) October 15, 2022