State College football cruises past McDowell and into first round of PIAA state playoffs
The Trojans were not ready for some playoff football.
A combination of poised offense and resilient defense led State College to a 35-7 victory over McDowell on Friday night in a PIAA subregional game at Memorial Field.
It was the opposite result from last November, when a devastating loss to the Trojans ended the Little Lions’ season.
Historically, State College has dominated McDowell with a 6-1 record since November 2014, and now the Little Lions can proudly add one more victory to their belt.
In their final game of the season at Memorial Field, head coach Matt Lintal celebrated a significant milestone, earning his 100th career win with the Little Lions. Lintal credits his family, coaching staff, and players as his sources of inspiration and motivation.
“I am so blessed to have (my wife’s) support win, lose or draw,” Lintal said. “And these kids are just such a blessing. They are phenomenal young people that are growing into young men, and I am so happy and honored to be a part of their lives.”
The team’s respect and admiration for Lintal was clear throughout the game as they fought hard, embodying the resilience and unity he’s instilled in them. They came out of the gate strong, ready to make a statement.
The Little Lions scored five touchdowns in the first half, setting the tone early on.
Running back Lamar Wilson opened the scoring frenzy with a dynamic 23-yard rushing touchdown just five minutes into the game, establishing momentum.
Energized by Wilson’s early success, the Little Lions pressed on, with quarterback Eddie Corkery and Cooper Brushwood further extending the lead. By the end of the first quarter, State High had pulled ahead 14-0, keeping the Trojans on their heels.
A fumble by the Trojans, recovered by Kellen Williams, paved the way for State High’s second score, further boosting their momentum.
The defense played a pivotal role. They held McDowell to just one rushed touchdown and forced four turnovers — two recovered fumbles and two interceptions. Their aggressive play allowed the offense to stay on the field and capitalize on every opportunity, resulting in a sizable lead.
Corkery wasn’t done making plays, delivering a string of deep, pinpoint passes to his receivers.
When McDowell missed a field goal attempt at the start of the second half, Corkery seized the moment, completing a 78-yard pass to Ty Salazar for the team’s third score of the game.
Moments later, the Corkery-Salazar duo struck again with a 72-yard pass, showcasing their chemistry and reaffirming the team’s dominance.
After securing a strong lead, Lintal’s focus shifted to ensuring all seniors had a chance to play in their final game at Memorial Field.
“We were trying to make sure that they had this last opportunity on Memorial Field to be able to be out there and represent their team and celebrate,” Lintal said.
McDowell refused to leave without a fight, however, managing to get on the board with just a minute and a half left in the game.
“We slipped up at the end and let them score,” Lintal said.
Regardless, the Little Lions played a near-perfect game.
Looking ahead to the next round, the Little Lions are focused and determined to continue their playoff journey. Lintal emphasized that preparation and consistency will be key.
“Every week is the same routine,” he said. “We focus on us first and foremost. These kids are playing to keep the seniors in their pads right now.”
In the first round of PIAA state playoffs, the Little Lions will face Williamsport, who recently defeated Wilkes-Barre with a 14-0 shutout.
State College is one of two Centre County football teams still standing in the postseason. Bellefonte will face Juniata in Altoona Saturday night for the District 6 Championship game.