The State College (PA) varsity football team will play a neutral-site playoff game against Williamsport (PA) today at 7 p.m. This game is part of the 2024 PIAA Football Championship – 6A tournament.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Pennsylvania High School Football
Who: State College vs Williamsport
When: Friday, November 15, 2024
Time: 7 PM
Bracket: 2024 PIAA Football Championship – 6A
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Game preview: State College vs Williamsport

As the high school football season intensifies, Williamsport and State College are set to face off in what promises to be an exciting matchup. Here’s a comprehensive look at both teams’ rankings, records, and key statistics.

Williamsport (24-25)

• Overall Record: 7-5
• Conference Record: 1-0
• Home Record: 4-2
• Away Record: 3-3
• Points For (PF): 264
• Points Against (PA): 217
• Win Percentage: .583
• Conference Win Percentage: 1.000

Williamsport has had a solid season with a 7-5 overall record, showcasing both resilience and consistency. Their 4-2 home record reflects a strong home-field advantage, and their impressive 3-3 record on the road shows that they can handle challenges away from home. The team’s offense has averaged 22 points per game, with contributions from key players like Kahyear Whaley (56.7 rushing yards per game), Elijah Way (90.7 passing yards per game), and Kyreek Bradshaw (48.5 receiving yards per game).

Defensively, the team has averaged 70.3 tackles per game, and while they don’t lead in terms of sacks (2.3 per game), their defensive unit has been solid in securing crucial stops throughout the season.

State College (24-25)

• Overall Record: 10-1
• Conference Record: 8-1
• Home Record: 6-0
• Away Record: 4-1
• Points For (PF): 441
• Points Against (PA): 127
• Win Percentage: .909
• Conference Win Percentage: .889

State College has dominated throughout the season with an outstanding 10-1 overall record. Their perfect 6-0 record at home highlights their formidable presence in familiar territory, while their 4-1 away record showcases their ability to perform on the road as well. Averaging 40.1 points per game, State College has been explosive offensively, led by Eddie Corkery, who is among the best in the nation with 232.1 passing yards per game. Lamar Wilson (68.3 rushing yards per game) and Ty Salazer (129.8 receiving yards per game) have also been key contributors.

Defensively, State College’s 59.6 tackles per game and 2.2 sacks per game demonstrate their ability to pressure opposing offenses. Their defense has been tough, allowing just 127 points across 11 games, which gives them one of the best defensive records in the state.

Team Stat Comparison

• Rushing Yards Per Game:
  • Williamsport: 136.2
  • State College: 116.0
• Passing Yards Per Game:
  • Williamsport: 121.8
  • State College: 266.3
• Total Yards Per Game:
  • Williamsport: 257.9
  • State College: 382.3
• Points Per Game:
  • Williamsport: 20.4
  • State College: 39.9

While Williamsport is a more balanced team offensively, with a strong rushing attack and decent passing game, State College has been a powerhouse through the air, with an impressive 266.3 passing yards per game. This is a key factor in their high-scoring games, averaging nearly 40 points per contest.

Key Players to Watch

• Williamsport:
  • Kahyear Whaley: Leading the team in rushing yards (56.7 per game), he will be crucial in keeping the offense moving against a tough State College defense.
  • Elijah Way: With 90.7 passing yards per game, Way will need to manage the game and make key throws to keep the defense on their heels.
  • Kyreek Bradshaw: A primary target in the passing game, Bradshaw (48.5 receiving yards per game) will be vital in stretching the field and providing big plays.
• State College:
  • Eddie Corkery: A standout quarterback with 232.1 passing yards per game, Corkery is the leader of the offense and can make plays from anywhere on the field.
  • Lamar Wilson: Wilson’s 68.3 rushing yards per game make him a dual-threat, complementing State College’s aerial attack.
  • Ty Salazer: A major receiving threat, Salazer has accumulated 129.8 receiving yards per game and will likely be a top target for Corkery.

Record Breakdown

• Williamsport:
  • 7-5 Overall
  • 1-0 League
  • 4-2 Home
  • 3-3 Away
  • 2-0 Playoff Record
• State College:
  • 10-1 Overall
  • 8-1 League
  • 6-0 Home
  • 4-1 Away
  • 0-0 Playoff Record

State College’s overall record of 10-1 indicates they’ve been dominant, especially in their conference, where they’ve won 8 of 9 games. Meanwhile, Williamsport, while competitive, will need to play near-perfect football to challenge State College’s powerful offense and stout defense.

Conclusion

This matchup pits Williamsport’s well-rounded attack and defensive resilience against State College’s high-octane offense and rock-solid defense. The key for Williamsport will be to control the tempo and limit big plays from State College’s dynamic offense. For State College, continuing their offensive explosion and stifling Williamsport’s attack will be the path to success. Regardless of the outcome, this game promises to be an exciting showcase of high school football talent.