The big game
Who: Central at Penn Cambria
When: Friday, 7 p.m.
Records: Central (1-1); Penn Cambria (2-0)
Coaches: Central, Dave Baker’s overall record in 43 seasons is 222-209-11. PC, Nick Felus has an overall record of 20-44 in seven seasons.
Last week: Central lost at home to Richland, 35-28; Penn Cambria won, 42-21 at Central Cambria.
Last meeting: Central defeated Penn Cambria, 42-7 in the District 6 Class 3A championship game last November at Mansion Park. Central also defeated Penn Cambria, 46-6 during the 2021 regular season.
By John Hartsock
jhartsock@altoonamirror.com
There will be plenty of incentive to go around on both sides of the field Friday night, when unbeaten Penn Cambria hosts Central in a Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference showdown at Panther Stadium.
Two-time defending District 6 Class 3A champion Central (1-1 overall and in the conference) is looking to right its ship after coming off a tough 35-28 loss at home to Richland last Friday night.
Penn Cambria (2-0 overall and in the conference) knows that Central will be one of the biggest obstacles standing in its way en route to a district title. On the way to a berth in the PIAA Class 3A semifinals last season, Central beat Penn Cambria twice, including a 42-7 decision in the district championship game.
That loss has motivated Penn Cambria’s camp this past offseason.
“I think we really want this game, and we’ve had it circled on our calendar just because they beat us twice last year,” Penn Cambria senior standout quarterback Garrett Harrold said. “I think we’re really taking that personally.
“We lost to them in the district championship game last year, and during the offseason, I think we used that as fuel for this season,” Harrold added.
Penn Cambria coach Nick Felus also agreed that reaching the district title game last year and falling short has provided the Panthers with plenty of incentive to take the next step this year.
“Obviously, it’s in your mind,” Felus said. “The kids felt really disappointed after the district championship game. We had a good season and we wanted to finish it off with a district championship but I don’t think we put our best foot forward in that game.
“Our kids have a lot of pride, and any time you have a chance to play in the district championship game, it’s special, and wanting to get back there this year and win it has kind of fueled us,” Felus added. “Central has won the district championship the past two years, and in order for us to take that next step as a program, we know that they’re a team that we have to beat.”
Central is trying to get back on the winning track after last week’s loss to Richland in which the Scarlet Dragons led, 28-21 at halftime before being shut out in the second half.
“It’s going to be a big challenge to see how we respond against another great team,” Central senior quarterback Jeff Hoenstine said of the Penn Cambria game.
Central opened its season with a 21-20 victory over last year’s PIAA Class 1A state champion, Bishop Guilfoyle Catholic, before losing to four-time defending District 6 Class 2A champion Richland. The gauntlet continues for the Dragons in the rugged Laurel Highlands Conference this week.
“We’re obviously starting the season with some very tough opponents,” Hoenstine said. “That can be difficult, but there are no excuses. We just have to play better than we did last week.”
Veteran Central coach Dave Baker is confident that the Scarlet Dragons can do just that.
“I’m confident in where our players are at this point, and I’m confident that they can take it from here,” Baker said. “The Richland game was a great game. We just came up a little short. Our kids are resilient. They will get better.”
This week’s matchup pits two outstanding quarterbacks against each other. But both teams also have plenty of other offensive weapons.
“A key for us will be trying to control Garrett Harrold, and a key for them will be trying to control Jeff Hoenstine,” Baker said. “They’re both great quarterbacks who are at the top of their games.”
Hoenstine — who threw for a Pennsylvania state high school record 57 touchdowns last season en route to being named the PA Football Writers Class 3A Player of the Year and the Mirror’s 2021 Co Football Player of the Year with since graduated star teammate Parker Gregg — has completed 35 of 54 passes for 405 yards and four touchdowns this season, while rushing for 97 yards on 29 carries and three scores.
Senior wideout Eli Lingenfelter has 15 receptions for 242 yards and four TDS for the Scarlet Dragons.
“Obviously, Hoenstine is a player who can make plays inside the pocket and outside the pocket,” Felus said. “Eli Lingenfelter is a very smooth receiver who runs great routes and has excellent ball skills. (Junior running back) Hunter Smith is another player who has done a good job for them. We have to be aware of where a lot of their guys are lined up on the field.”
Penn Cambria has plenty of talented skill people as well, and showed off its multi-pronged offensive attack in last week’s 42-21 road victory over archrival Central Cambria.
Harrold completed 15 of 18 passes for 251 yards and two touchdown passes to senior halfback Vinny Chirdon, who made five catches for 58 yards overall. Another senior, running back Zach Grove, rushed for 87 yards on 17 carries and three touchdowns. Harrold’s younger brother Gavin, a sophomore, rushed for 78 yards on 12 carries and a score, while senior wideout Luke Shuagis made five catches for 101 yards for the Panthers.
“We’ve been pretty balanced offensively over the first two weeks of the season,” said Felus, whose Panthers opened the year with a 42-6 rout of Johnstown. “Obviously, our offense runs through Garrett, but Garrett has been able to spread the ball around for us. We have a lot of guys who are capable of making plays.”
Friday night will be a great test for both teams.
“We’re excited for Friday night,” Felus said. “It’s a game between two great communities who both love their sports teams. We’re expecting an unbelievable atmosphere, and we’re excited for this opportunity.”
Be the first to comment