A week after finishing their regular season undefeated as the Mid-Penn Conference champions, the State College Little Lions cruised to a 55-0 shutout over Erie to begin its playoff campaign.
Junior quarterback Connor Kulka tossed for 212 yards and four scores, all of which went to senior Old Dominion linebacker/wide receiver commit AJ Fry. Senior running back Rowan Walker also scored two touchdowns on the ground.
“You’re playing to keep these seniors in pads, and it means that much more,” State College coach Matt Lintal said postgame. “For our kids to prepare like they prepared this week and come out here and execute and get the seventh shutout of the year is incredible.”
State College resumes the PIAA District 6 bracket with a meeting against McDowell next Friday at 7 p.m. The Trojans are fresh off a 47-41 overtime win over Altoona to advance to their meeting with the Little Lions.
Wide receiver Max Vendima (3) catches the ball to get the offense within the 1-yard line during the PIAA Class 6A Tournament Round 1 football game at Memorial Field in State College, Pa., Friday, Nov. 6, 2026. The State College Little Lions defeated the Erie Royals 55-0.
Connor Bee
Safety Carter Whitton (36) dives for the ball during the PIAA Class 6A Tournament Round 1 football game at Memorial Field in State College, Pa., Friday, Nov. 6, 2026. The State College Little Lions defeated the Erie Royals 55-0.
Connor Bee
Running back Marquise Leggett (14) sits in end zone after failing to break a pass resulting in a State College touch down during the PIAA Class 6A Tournament Round 1 football game at Memorial Field in State College, Pa., Friday, Nov. 6, 2026. The State College Little Lions defeated the Erie Royals 55-0.
Elizabeth Diaz
Wide receivers Max Vendemia (3) and Anderson Fry (1) celebrate in the end zone after Fry makes his third receiving touchdown of the PIAA Class 6A Tournament Round 1 football game at Memorial Field in State College, Pa., Friday, Nov. 6, 2026. The State College Little Lions defeated the Erie Royals 55-0.
Connor Bee
Defensive end Cohen Johnson (12) fights to get by the Erie offensive line’s pass protection during the PIAA Class 6A Tournament Round 1 football game at Memorial Field in State College, Pa., Friday, Nov. 6, 2026. The State College Little Lions defeated the Erie Royals 55-0.
Connor Bee
Wide Receiver Anderson Fry (1) catches a touchdown pass in the endzone during the PIAA Class 6A Tournament Round 1 football game at Memorial Field in State College, Pa., Friday, Nov. 6, 2026. The State College Little Lions defeated the Erie Royals 55-0.
Nathaniel Lee
Running back Rowan Walker (4) rushes up the middle of the field during the PIAA Class 6A Tournament Round 1 football game at Memorial Field in State College, Pa., Friday, Nov. 6, 2026. The State College Little Lions defeated the Erie Royals 55-0.
Nathaniel Lee
Erie Running back Dyarren Woodard (2) advances the ball against State College during the PIAA Class 6A Tournament Round 1 football game at Memorial Field in State College, Pa., Friday, Nov. 6, 2026. The State College Little Lions defeated the Erie Royals 55-0.
Elizabeth Diaz
Linebacker Andre Carson (6) sits down after being tackled during the PIAA Class 6A Tournament Round 1 football game at Memorial Field in State College, Pa., Friday, Nov. 6, 2026. The State College Little Lions defeated the Erie Royals 55-0.
Elizabeth Diaz
Linebacker Mike Yourey (8) stops quarterback Jack Musone (9) during the PIAA Class 6A Tournament Round 1 football game at Memorial Field in State College, Pa., Friday, Nov. 6, 2026. The State College Little Lions defeated the Erie Royals 55-0.
William Connelly
State College defense tackles running back Marquise Leggett (14) during the PIAA Class 6A Tournament Round 1 football game at Memorial Field in State College, Pa., Friday, Nov. 6, 2026. The State College Little Lions defeated the Erie Royals 55-0.
William Connelly
The State High Marching Band plays the alma mater after the PIAA Class 6A Tournament Round 1 football game at Memorial Field in State College, Pa., Friday, Nov. 6, 2026. The State College Little Lions defeated the Erie Royals 55-0.
Connor Bee