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Pine-Richland’s Ben DiNucci became only the fourth quarterback in WPIAL history to reach 7,000 career yards and led the Rams to a 49-29 victory over the State College Little Lions in the quarterfinal round of the PIAA playoffs.  The senior signal caller completed 17 of 27 passes for 247 yards and three touchdown passes. DiNucci could break the WPIAL’s single-season passing record next week as he sits within 200 yards of the milestone of 3,815 yards.

While the Rams piled up 49 points on a pleasant day at Altoona’s Mansion Park, the game was far from picturesque with 27 combined penalties.  Even DiNucci threw two interceptions in the game.

Despite entering the contest with only a .500 record, the Little Lions put up quite a fight and trailed only 21-17 in the third quarter when Jordan Misher caught a 51-yard pass from John Weakland. Misher rushed for 157 yards and Weakland passed for 269, but ultimately it wasn’t enough to keep pace with the high-powered Rams.

Pine-Richland scored four of the game’s final five touchdowns to put the game on ice in the final quarter. Running back Connor Slomka scored two touchdowns and rushed for 153 yards on 21 carries.

The Rams improve to 14-0 and will face Wilson next weekend at a site and time to be determined.  State College finishes the year with a 6-7 overall mark.