Sportsbeat Game of the Week: Richland at Penn Cambria Preview

CRESSON, Pa. (WTAJ) – Richland and Penn Cambria has quickly turned into one of the best matchups in the Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference in recent years. This year, it’s giving fans another great showdown to open the 2024 season.

“It’s really good for high school football to have a game like that to kick off the season,” Penn Cambria Head Coach Nick Felus said.

“It’s a great game for our conference,” Richland Head Coach Brandon Bailey said.

Both teams are expected to be heavyweight contenders for the LHAC once again after being voted as some of the top teams by the league’s coaches.

The previous two matchups between the Panthers and Rams have resulted in Richland winning by just one score, which was a big reason why Richland made it to the LHAC Championship Game last year instead of Penn Cambria.

However, that leaves a hungry Panthers squad motivated to beat them this year.

“(Richland has) been the standard in the Laurel Highlands for many, many years and our kids understand the challenges that they’re going to face week one,” Felus said. “It’s a lot easier to get your guys motivated in the offseason because you know who you’re playing at week one.”

Last year, both teams had high-powered offenses that scored more than 30 points per game. Many of the key players that helped light up the scoreboard for both are returning this year.

One notable name that isn’t back for the Rams is standout running back Evan McCracken, who is a freshman on the Army’s football team. Bailey will now have to rely more on sophomore quarterback Grayson Mahla to spread the ball out to playmakers such as Arnold Mugerwa, Austin Yarnick and Jamere Christian.

Meanwhile, Penn Cambria’s stars such as senior quarterback Brady Jones, Division I VMI commit Derek Hite and All-State athlete Gavin Harrold pose a threat to any defense they face.

“When you’re playing against quality opponents, it brings out the best, especially in your skill guys,” Felus said. “Our guys want to outshine their guys; their guys want to outshine our guys.”

While everyone is mainly focusing on the skill players, Felus and Bailey believe this game will come down to who wins the line of scrimmage.

“That’s where the games are won or lost,” Felus said.

“Winning that line of scrimmage (is the key),” Bailey added. “Is it going to be us that wins it or is that going to be Penn Cambria, that’s going to be so vital to the outcome.”

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No matter what the outcome is in week one, it won’t be a surprise to anyone if either of these teams are in the conversation for either a district or LHAC championship at the end of the year.

“I think both teams have a chance to have some real success this year,” Bailey said. “Whoever can get out to a 1-0 start is really in a better position.”

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