Sportsbeat Preview: Penn Cambria Panthers

HOLLIDAYSBURG (WTAJ) — The phrase ‘close, but no cigar,’ was popularized in the 1800s when carnivals handed out cigars as prizes. (What a time to be alive) Over the last few seasons that phrase has been the story of Penn Cambria football, a program that’s still without a district title.

“Our class specifically, we’ve been there three times and lost every time,” senior linebacker Derek Hite said. “It’s definitely, a great factor for motivation, you know, to get back there and do it this year.”

The Panthers have lost three-straight district six championship games, all to Central, and players aren’t mincing words, not bringing home the hardware would be a failure this season.

“We don’t accomplish that, we don’t accomplish anything,” senior wide receiver Gavin Harrold said. “That’s the way we’re looking at it. definitely is the main goal this season.”

Penn Cambria is in a good spot to chase that title, about as good as anyone can be. The Panthers return a wealth of talent. Harrold, an all-state wide receiver with more than 1,600 all-purpose yards, returns. Quarterback Brady Jones, who threw 20 touchdowns during his sophomore campaign, returns. Leading rusher Thomas Plunkett, leading tackler Derek Hite also come back, alongside first team all-LHAC linemen Preston Farabaugh.

It’s a wealth of talent and experience that’s gone 18-5 over the past two years.

“We should be good. We got to go out there and prove it,” Farabaugh. “We got to go play our best. We got to win games. We’ve got to win championships. That’s what it comes down to.”

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Key Returners: Derek Hite (TE/LB) Gavin Harrold (WR/CB) Preston Farabaugh (OL/DL) Brady Jones (QB/DB)

Key Losses: Carter McDermott (WR/DB) Marcus Lilly (DB) Gabe Irving

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