REPEAT COMPLETE: Scranton Prep’s Cole Powell Captures Second Straight PIAA Class 2A State Golf Championship
By: Justin Bradley | SportzWire | October 20, 2026 | Photo courtesy Jake Speicher
Powell battles back to win a dramatic two-hole playoff at Penn State as the Cavaliers prepare to chase a third consecutive team state championship Wednesday.
STATE COLLEGE, Pa. — Two years, two state championships, and another unforgettable finish for Scranton Prep junior Cole Powell.
Powell successfully defended his PIAA Class 2A boys individual golf championship Tuesday at Penn State, defeating Annville-Cleona’s Ben Allwein in a dramatic two-hole playoff to secure his second consecutive state title.
The two golfers finished regulation tied at 4-under-par 140, each recording rounds of 69 and 71 over the two-day championship. But Powell’s road to another state crown was anything but straightforward.
After entering Tuesday’s final round tied for the lead, Powell appeared to be taking control of the championship early. He reached the turn at 6-under par, holding a three-stroke advantage over Allwein with nine holes remaining.
Then the momentum shifted.
Powell recorded his first bogey of the round on No. 11, while Allwein continued to apply pressure. By the 13th hole, the championship race had taken a dramatic turn. Powell double-bogeyed the par-3, while Allwein made par to move two strokes ahead.
With the title hanging in the balance, Powell needed to respond.
The Cavaliers junior delivered a crucial par putt on No. 17, while Allwein struggled to a double bogey, bringing the two golfers even at 3-under heading to the final hole.
Both players answered the moment.
Powell and Allwein each birdied No. 18, finishing regulation deadlocked at 4-under and forcing a playoff for the Class 2A championship.
The battle continued for two additional holes before Powell emerged victorious, completing the repeat and adding another PIAA gold medal to an already impressive high school career.
For Powell, the victory represents another major accomplishment in a career that still has one season remaining at Scranton Prep.
Cavaliers Place Three in Top 11
Powell wasn’t the only Scranton Prep golfer making his presence felt at Penn State.
Junior teammate Bobby Stott turned in rounds of 75 and 73 to finish tied for seventh at 4-over 148, while Brendan Bell posted rounds of 74 and 75 to finish tied for 11th at 5-over 149.
Fellow Cavalier Jack Pavuk finished tied for 33rd at 11-over 155 after rounds of 75 and 80.
Lake-Lehman’s Jack Oliver also put together an impressive championship performance, finishing tied for 11th alongside Bell at 5-over 149. Oliver rebounded from an opening-round 78 with a 1-under 71 on Tuesday, one of the stronger final-round performances in the field.
The individual championship results provided another strong showing for District 2 golf on the state’s biggest stage.
One Championship Secured. Another Within Reach.
While Powell’s individual title gives Scranton Prep plenty to celebrate, the Cavaliers’ week at Penn State is far from over.
Scranton Prep returns to the course Wednesday with an opportunity to make even more program history, pursuing a third consecutive PIAA Class 2A boys team golf championship.
With Powell coming off his second straight individual crown and teammates Stott, Bell and Pavuk gaining valuable experience in the individual championship field, the Cavaliers will look to carry that momentum into the team competition.
A third consecutive championship would further cement Scranton Prep’s place among Pennsylvania’s premier high school golf programs.
For Powell, Tuesday was another opportunity to prove himself against the best in the state. After holding the lead, surrendering it, battling back and surviving a playoff, the junior once again walked away with the ultimate prize.
The individual repeat is complete. Now the Cavaliers have a three-peat in their sights.
Stay Wired with SportzWire for continued coverage of the 2026 PIAA State Golf Championships from Penn State.
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