Central Catholic strikes quickly, puts away State College in PIAA quarterfinals

By: Paul Schofield
Friday, November 21, 2025 | 10:53 PM

Purchase Photo Options

Purchase Photo Options

Purchase Photo Options

Previous Next

ALTOONA — It did not take Central Catholic long to take control of Friday’s PIAA Class 6A quarterfinal at Mansion Park.

The WPIAL champions scored on their first two possessions and then turned the game into a rout in the second quarter on their way to a 42-21 victory against District 6 champion State College.

It was the second consecutive season that the Vikings (12-1) ended the Little Lions’ season (10-3).

Central Catholic will face Harrisburg, which won the District 3 title by defeating Central York, in the semifinals.

After State College failed to move the ball on its first possession, it took Central Catholic one play to grab a 7-0 lead.

Sophomore quarterback Owen Herrick hit Aiden Nasiadka in the flat. One missed tackle and Nasiadka raced 65 yards for the score.

State College put together its best drive of the game to tie the score 7-7. Syracuse recruit D’Antae Sheffey scored on an 8-yard run. Overall, Central Catholic’s defense did good job holding him to 63 yards rushing and two touchdowns.

Central Catholic responded four plays later to reclaim the lead, 14-7, when Herrick tossed a 25-yard strike to Maceo Watkins.

“We knew from being here in the past that we would have to have some resolve and be able to respond,” Central Catholic coach Ryan Lehmeier said. “I was proud how we responded as quickly as we did.”

Herrick completed 13 of 21 passes for 244 yards and three touchdowns. Nasiadka caught seven passes for 142 yards and a score, and running back Chrys Black Jr. rushed for 109 yards and scored two touchdowns – one rushing and one receiving.

“After their first series, we did a good job containing (Sheffey),” Lehmeier said. “He’s very good and fast.”

Central Catholic extended its lead to 21-7 midway through the second quarter when Herrick connected with Black Jr. for 20 yards.

The Vikings recovered a fumble at the State College 23, and Roman Thompson scored two plays later on a 17-yard run to make it 28-7.

Two field goals by Antonio Difatta (30 and 32 yards) made it 34-7 at halftime.

Late in the first half and early in the third quarter, a frustrated State College team received numerous unsportsmanlike conduct penalties, giving Central Catholic free yardage.

“They were talking, and I told my players to stay in the huddle and keep their mouths shut,” Lehmeier said.

Central Catholic scored on its first possession of the second half, a 20-yard run by Black Jr., to make it 42-7 with 8:47 left in the third quarter to invoke mercy rule and its running clock.

State College came into the game averaging 39.5 points per game and outscored its previous two opponents 93-7.

“I thought the key was containing their tailback,” Lehmeier said. “He is so elusive, and he is tough after contact. Their quarterback is young, but he has a big arm. We were able to keep them behind the chains. After their first series, we made some adjustments.”

Paul Schofield is a TribLive reporter covering high school and college sports and local golf. He joined the Trib in 1995 after spending 15 years at the Daily Courier in Connellsville, where he served as sports editor for 14 years. He can be reached at pschofield@triblive.com.

Tags: Central Catholic