Even after a tough loss to Forest Hills in week ten, the 6-4 Tyrone Golden Eagles are in a great position in the class AAA District 6 playoffs. Judging by season records, the Golden Eagles are not at the level of district-leading and currently undefeated Central, but the Tyrone players and coaches know they are talented enough to fight their way through the gauntlet.

Their first test will be this Friday against the Penn Cambria Panthers. Led by head coach Nick Felus, they had a very successful 8-2 regular season campaign. The last time these two teams met was the first round of district playoffs in 2021 when the Golden Eagles lost to the Panthers in a hard-fought battle.

This season, the leading passer for the Panthers is sophomore Brady Jones with 1,376 passing yards, 17 touchdown passes, and only seven interceptions.

Jones has done a great job of getting the ball to his playmakers through the regular season and will look to add to his numbers Friday night.

The Panther’s leading rusher is junior Thomas Plunkett. His ability to follow blocks and get north and south has helped the Panthers control the ground. Plunkett has 697 yards rushing with five trips to the endzone. However, the Golden Eagles have been great at controlling the run game so far this season and they will look to continue that in week 11.

The Panthers also have two talented wide receivers in senior Carter McDermott and junior Gavin Harrold. Both have over 600 receiving yards with Harrold having nine scores and McDermott having seven. Harrold’s athletic ability is very special. He will line up at both wide receiver and running back, and even as a wildcat quarterback.

If Tyrone can keep both McDermott and Harrold under control it should increase their chances of making it to Mansion Park next week.

The Golden Eagles have not been able to win a playoff game since 2020 but will look to end that streak on a chilly November night this Friday.