The energy in Cresson right now is just different. If you’ve spent any time around the Laurel Highlands lately, you know that the Penn Cambria football schedule isn't just a list of dates on a fridge; it’s basically the social calendar for the entire mountain. After the absolute tear this team went on recently—finishing 12-3 and making a deep run into the PIAA Class 3A state semifinals—everyone is looking at the upcoming slate of games with a mix of high expectations and a little bit of "can they really do it again?"
Honestly, the 2024 and 2025 seasons proved that Penn Cambria has moved past being a "scrappy underdog." They’re a powerhouse now. With Jason Grassi taking the reins as head coach last year and maintaining that "mountain mentality" built by Nick Felus, the Panthers have become the team everyone else circles on their calendar.
Breaking Down the Penn Cambria Football Schedule
When you look at the Penn Cambria football schedule, you’ve got to understand the grind of the Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference (LHAC). This isn't a league where you can take a week off. You go from facing a physical Somerset team to a playoff-caliber Forest Hills squad without a second to breathe.
The schedule usually kicks off with a massive tone-setter. Last season, the 50-10 blowout of Somerset Area signaled to the rest of District 6 that the Panthers weren't going anywhere. Then you have the rivalry games. The matchups against Central Cambria and Forest Hills are legendary in this part of Pennsylvania. People start talking about the "Coal Bowl" weeks in advance.
If you're planning your Friday nights, here is how the typical gauntlet looks based on the most recent rotations:
August starts with high-stakes non-league or crossover games. Usually, you’re looking at Somerset or Bald Eagle Area. These games are crucial for getting the timing right before the LHAC West 2 schedule starts heating up.
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September is where the season is won or lost. The games against Forest Hills and Bedford are almost always physical, low-scoring affairs that come down to who wants it more in the fourth quarter. Last September, the Panthers suffered a narrow 22-18 loss to Forest Hills—a game that served as a massive wake-up call before they went on a dominant winning streak.
October brings the home stretch. Watching the Panthers at Penn Cambria Stadium under the lights is something else. The capacity is around 2,776, but on nights when Tyrone or Chestnut Ridge comes to town, it feels like double that. The 27-10 win over Tyrone last October showed that this team knows how to handle the pressure of "The Mountain."
The Playoff Push and State Rankings
The real magic happens in late October and November. Because Penn Cambria has been so dominant, their "regular" schedule effectively extends into a second season. We’re talking about the District 6 Class 3A semifinals and beyond.
The path to the state championship recently went through some heavy hitters:
- Forest Hills (Playoffs): A dominant 41-7 win that avenged their only regular-season league loss.
- Huntingdon Area: A 33-6 victory at Mansion Park that proved the Panthers could win big on neutral turf.
- Sharon: A gritty 12-7 win at PennWest Clarion that sent them to the state semifinals.
The Names You Need to Know
You can’t talk about the Penn Cambria football schedule without talking about the kids making the plays. It’s one thing to see "Friday at 7:00 PM" on a website; it’s another to watch Corbin Vinglish or Brady Jones actually go to work.
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Corbin Vinglish has been an absolute monster. As a junior, he was averaging over 100 rushing yards per game and leading the team in tackles. He’s the heart of that "mountain mentality." Then you have Brady Jones at quarterback. Last season, he threw for 25 touchdowns and ran for 9 more. That kind of dual-threat capability makes the Panthers' offense a nightmare to game-plan for.
On the outside, Blake Lilly has been the go-to guy. If it's third and long, you know where the ball is going. He hauled in 12 receiving touchdowns last year and led the defense with 6 interceptions. Having a guy who can flip the field on both sides of the ball is a luxury most high school coaches would kill for.
What Makes Penn Cambria Different?
Some people think it’s just a lucky run. They're wrong. This success is the result of years of consistency. When Nick Felus resigned to head to Neshaminy, there was a brief moment of panic. But hiring Jason Grassi—an alum and former defensive line coach—was a stroke of genius by the school board.
Grassi kept the staff largely intact. You still have guys like Brandon Nicodemus and the Davison brothers on the sidelines. That continuity is why the team didn't skip a beat. They still run those "March Madness" workouts that keep them conditioned for the fourth quarter in November when the air gets thin and cold up in Cresson.
The stadium itself is a factor. Penn Cambria Stadium has a grass surface—a bit of a rarity these days with everyone switching to turf—and it gives the Panthers a true home-field advantage. It’s a fast track when it’s dry and a muddy pit when it rains, and the Panthers know every blade of grass on that field.
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Key Matchups to Watch
If you’re only going to catch a few games, you sort of have to prioritize.
- The Forest Hills Rematch: This has become the premier rivalry in the area. Both teams are physical, well-coached, and usually playing for a top seed in the playoffs.
- The Crossover Games: Playing teams like Clearfield or Greater Johnstown provides a huge test. Clearfield specifically gave the Panthers a run for their money last year in a 34-28 shootout.
- The Opener: Never skip the first game. It sets the tone for the "mountain mentality" and usually features the debut of the newest senior leaders.
How to Follow the Action
If you can’t make it to the mountain, you aren't totally out of luck. The Penn Cambria School District has been pretty proactive with technology. They have NFHS cameras installed at the football field, so you can stream the games if you have a subscription.
It’s also worth following the local beat reporters. The Altoona Mirror and PA Football News do a great job of covering the Panthers. You’ll get the post-game quotes and the injury updates that you just won't find on a generic score app.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Parents
If you're heading out to support the team, here is the "insider" way to do it:
- Get there early: Parking in Cresson for a big game is... a challenge. If kickoff is at 7:00, aim to be in your seat by 6:15.
- Dress for the mountain: It might be 65 degrees in Johnstown or Altoona, but once you head up the mountain to Cresson, the temperature drops ten degrees and the wind picks up. Always bring a blanket.
- Check the schedule weekly: High school schedules are notoriously fluid. Weather, referee shortages, or school events can move a Friday game to a Thursday or Saturday.
- Support the boosters: The success of this program is fueled by the community. Grab a program and a burger at the concession stand—that money goes directly back into the equipment and travel for the kids.
The Penn Cambria football schedule is more than just games; it's the heartbeat of the community. Whether they’re playing at home or traveling to places like Brockway or Sharon, the "Mountain" travels well. This team has proven they belong on the state stage, and every game this season is another step toward that elusive state title.
Keep an eye on the official school district athletics page for any last-minute time changes, and make sure your NFHS subscription is active if you're planning on watching from home. Friday nights in Cresson are back, and the Panthers are ready to defend their turf.
Next Steps for Panthers Fans:
- Sync your calendar: Visit the official Penn Cambria BigTeams or MaxPreps page to download the schedule directly to your phone.
- Check Eligibility: If you have a student-athlete, ensure all PIAA physicals and paperwork are filed through the school's portal before the first practice of the new cycle.
- Gear Up: Visit the local fan shop or booster club site to grab the latest "Mountain Mentality" apparel before the rivalry games sell out.