The State College (PA) varsity football team will host Harrisburg (PA) in a home conference matchup tonight at 7:00 p.m.

Game Details

• Matchup: Harrisburg vs. State College

• Date: Friday, September 5, 2025

• Time: 7:00 p.m.

• Location: Memorial Field, State College, PA

• Live stream: Watch on NFHS Network
• Live stream: Watch on NFHS Network

State College vs. Harrisburg: Clash of Undefeated Powers

Two of Pennsylvania’s top football programs, State College and Harrisburg, are set to collide in a highly anticipated Mid-Penn Commonwealth showdown. Both teams enter the matchup unbeaten at 2-0, boasting dominant wins, explosive offenses, and defenses capable of taking over a game.

Rankings & Records

Harrisburg comes into the contest ranked No. 3 in Pennsylvania and No. 151 nationally, with an unblemished 2-0 (1-0 conference) record. They’ve tallied 69 points across two games while giving up 47.

State College, meanwhile, sits at No. 13 in Pennsylvania and No. 511 nationally, also holding a perfect 2-0 (1-0 conference) mark. The Little Lions have outscored opponents 78-21, leaning on a balanced offensive attack and a defense that has clamped down early in the season.

Scoring Trends

• Harrisburg averages 34.5 points per game, with strong second- and fourth-quarter production.

• State College averages slightly more at 39.0 points per game, excelling in the third quarter where they average 12.0 points.

This sets the stage for a game likely decided by second-half execution.

Statistical Comparison

• Total Offense: State College edges Harrisburg with 458.0 yards per game to the Cougars’ 349.5.

• Ground Game: The Little Lions pound the ball for 274.5 rushing yards per contest, led by standout back D’Antae Sheffey (198.5 YPG). Harrisburg, behind Messiah Mickens (116.0 YPG), averages a solid 195.0 rushing yards.

• Passing Game: Harrisburg QB Mikal Shank Jr. averages 154.5 yards, closely matched by State College’s Connor Kulka (164.5 YPG).

On defense, Harrisburg has been more active with 61 tackles per game, while State College has been more efficient overall, allowing just 21 points in two games.

Key Players to Watch

• State College: RB D’Antae Sheffey (198.5 rushing YPG, 206.0 total YPG) has been a game-changer, while WR Daimear Coad (93.0 receiving YPG) stretches defenses. LB Rowan Walker anchors the defense with 6.0 tackles per game.

• Harrisburg: RB Messiah Mickens (116.0 rushing YPG, 15.0 PPG) fuels the offense, paired with QB Mikal Shank Jr. (160.5 total YPG). WR Elias Coke (89.5 receiving YPG) is Shank’s top target, while LB Rick Brown leads the defense with 10.5 tackles per game.

Common Opponents

Both teams share a win over a Mid-Penn foe, with State College defeating Altoona (37-7) and Harrisburg knocking off Bishop McDevitt (29-21). More common opponents—including Chambersburg, Cedar Cliff, Carlisle, and Cumberland Valley—await later this season, making this matchup a strong early measuring stick.

What’s at Stake

With both squads unbeaten and already 1-0 in conference play, this game carries major implications for the Mid-Penn Commonwealth title race. A win for Harrisburg would solidify their top-3 state ranking, while a victory for State College could vault them higher into the state and national conversation.