State College Overwhelms Wilkes-Barre to Advance to PIAA 6A Quarterfinals
By: Carrie Miner Yaple | SportzWire | November 15, 2025 | Photo courtesy Carrie Miner Yaple @v1sion_media
State College Overwhelms Wilkes-Barre to Advance to PIAA 6A Quarterfinals
State College powered its way into the PIAA Class 6A quarterfinals with a commanding 52–0 victory over Wilkes-Barre, extending a playoff run defined by fast starts, physical play, and total defensive control. From the opening whistle at Milton High School, the Little Lions seized momentum and never allowed their opponent room to respond.
The path was paved early by running back D’Antae Sheffey, who delivered another standout performance. The Syracuse commit tore through the Wilkes-Barre defense for four rushing touchdowns before halftime, three of them coming in the first quarter. Behind an offensive line that dominated the point of attack, Sheffey churned out chunk gains on nearly every series and set the tone for what became an insurmountable early lead.
State College built that advantage rapidly. Sheffey capped three separate drives in the opening period, and sophomore quarterback Connor Kulka added a deep scoring strike to senior playmaker Hank Lustig. By the end of the first quarter, the Little Lions were in full command with a 28–0 lead.
Lustig wasn’t finished. On the first meaningful touch of the second quarter, he broke free on a 75-yard punt return, stretching the margin to 35–0. Another grinding State College drive soon followed, ending with Sheffey's fourth touchdown run and sending the Lions into halftime holding a 45-0 advantage.
The dominance wasn’t limited to the offense. State College’s defense smothered Wilkes-Barre from start to finish, allowing only 35 total yards—seven on the ground and 28 through the air. Consistent pressure from the defensive front cut off the Wolfpack’s screen game and quick-hitting routes, while strong coverage downfield closed the few windows that appeared.
With the outcome well in hand, much of the second half belonged to State College’s younger players. Running backs Zach Spicer and Jayden Byrd shared carries as the Lions controlled the clock. Spicer eventually finished a long third-quarter drive with a seven-yard score, marking the only points of the half and pushing the lead to its final margin.
Kulka ended the day with 111 passing yards on efficient work, while Spicer added 97 yards on the ground. The Little Lions finished the afternoon with complete command in all phases of the game, showcasing both depth and discipline.
Now 10–2, State College moves on to face the eventual WPIAL champion—either Pittsburgh Central Catholic or North Allegheny—in the PIAA 6A quarterfinals. Their latest performance leaves little doubt that they enter the next round with momentum firmly on their side.
