Penn made a massive statement Friday night, dominating arch rival Mishawaka 49-7 in our Sports Michiana Game of the Week.

It’s the most lopsided win for the Kingsmen over the Cavemen since 2002. The 68th meeting between the longtime rivals, known as the “Backyard Brawl,” quickly turned into a Backyard Beatdown.

Penn’s offense led by quarterback Landon Hall was as advertised but it was the Kingsmen defense that showed Penn could make a deep playoff run come November. After graduating most of its starting defense, Penn bounced back from a so-so week one defensive performance to shut down 3-year starting quarterback Landon Snyder and his Mishawaka offense.

Penn now leads the all-time series 51-16-1. After falling to Mishawaka two years ago, the Kingsmen have now won the two in a row in the series.

Penn is 2-0 and will open up Northern Indiana Conference play at Riley next Friday.

After starting the season with a win over Marian, Mishawaka now looks to bounce back in its Northern Lakes Conference opener next Friday against Plymouth.