Penna's five TDs lift Richland over Somerset
SOMERSET — Somerset’s youth is still trying to find its footing as it pushes through a rebuilding season.
That maturation process is made all the more difficult when facing a team like Richland, which has all the pedigree and talent it needs.
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Senior quarterback Sam Penna accounted for five total touchdowns as the Rams spoiled the Golden Eagles’ homecoming celebration with a 57-25 win on Friday night.
“We were able to come out and take advantage of our athleticism and our veteran quarterback,” Richland coach Brandon Bailey said after his team moved to a perfect 5-0. “We were able to spread the ball around tonight.”
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What it means
After not meeting one another over the past two seasons, Richland beat Somerset for the third straight time dating back to 2018.
Somerset has allowed at least 50 points in four of its first five games.
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While the Golden Eagles had been limited to one score in each of its first four games, three second half touchdowns against the Rams’ second unit helped mark a season-high in points scored.
“We’re predominately a young team and we realize this is a rebuilding year,” said first-year Somerset coach Jeff Urban. “We competed more with our age group in the second half and proved we could hang. I’m very pleased with the kids’ effort.”
Key plays
Richland needed only 43 seconds and four plays to score first after running back Evan McCracken rushed three straight times for 43 yards, the last of which went for a 3-yard TD.
Following a Somerset three-and-out, Penna took a short punt back 38 yards for a TD to give the Rams a 14-0 lead less than three minutes in.
Penna pushed Richland’s lead to 28-0 with four minutes to play in the first quarter by delivering a 16-yard TD to McCracken and a 54-yard strike to Ryan McGowan.
By the numbers
Penna completed 16 of 19 attempts for 244 yards before being removed midway through the third quarter after throwing his final TD, a 24-yard lob to sophomore wideout Jude Mugerwa.
McCracken carried five times for 58 yards.
McGowan paced the receiving corps with six catches for 91 yards. Eight different Rams, including Penna who hauled in a 6-yard pass, recorded a catch.
“One of the things we do at Richland is try to spread that ball around,” said Bailey. “Kids know if they work and are able to work on their craft and be good receivers, we’ll get the ball to them. That’s something we prioritize.”
Somerset quarterback Carson Sanner, who started in place of the injured Lane Lambert, hit running back Tyler Zimmerman for a 51-yard score with 1:45 to play in the first. Sanner also rushed for a 3-yard TD.
“Carson had a great week of practice,” said Urban. “He made some great plays on our zone-read stuff as a sophomore quarterback. Phenomenal young athlete. Here again, our sophomore class is something for us to build, and he’s a member of that.”
Sophomore Rowan Holmes had a 3-yard TD for the Golden Eagles and fellow sophomore Camden Lowry posted a 54-yard rushing TD late to cap the scoring.
Unsung hero
Richland senior linebacker Jordan Nichols is usually focused on being a leader for the Rams defensively. But when the script allowed him to see some touches offensively, he made the most of them with TD runs from 27 and 12 yards out. He also snagged a 3-yard TD pass to cap Richland’s first scoring drive of the second quarter.
They said it
“No matter what sport I play, I like to do a little bit of everything,” said Penna, who has thrown for 870 yards and nine scores through five games. “Coach Bailey trusts me. I just want to help this team win in as many ways as I can.”
What’s next
Somerset (0-5) visits Forest Hills while Richland (5-0) faces winless Greater Johnstown. Both matchups are scheduled for 7 p.m. on Friday.
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This article originally appeared on The Daily American: Sam Penna guides Richland past Somerset for 5-0 start
