Backyard Knockout: Penn Football packs a punch in return of rivalry

Penn football celebrating the return of the fabled “Backyard Brawl” with a dominating performance as the Kingsmen overpowered Mishawaka, 28-7.

Penn (2-0) entered the battle ranked No. 9 in Class 6-A. Mishawaka (1-1) was ranked No. 7 in Class 5-A.

The victory gives the Kingsmen a 49-15-1 lead in the intense neighborhood rivalry. The series was on pause since 2019 due to scheduling issues as Mishawaka transitioned to the Northern Lakes Conference from the Northern Indiana Conference.

Mishawaka scored on its first possession, and then the Kingsmen reeled off 28 unanswered points.

Kingsmen quarterback Nolan McCullough sprinted for 92 yards rushing on 10 carries, including a 54-yard TD run. He was 6-15-1 passing for 65 yards, including a 5-yard TD strike to Elijah Coker.

Jake Balis rushed for 80 yards on 15 carries, and scored an eight-yard TD.

Vincent Horner highlighted the Kingsmen defensive effort with two interceptions, returning one of his picks for a 64-yard touchdown.

Tommy Powlus made eight tackles, and Jackson Griffith and Brandon Lynch made seven tackles each.