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Late TD Lifts Clearfield Past Dragons

The 2-0 Central Scarlet Dragons hosted 2-0 Clearfield in an early-season Mountain League showdown Friday, Sept. 6, at the Roaring Spring Athletic Field. In an entertaining game that wasn't decided until the final drive, Clearfield prevailed, 24-21.

Early in the game it looked as if the visitors were going to totally dominate their hosts. Clearfield led 14-0 at the end of the opening quarter and had the ball with a 17-0 advantage late in the first half. After a key third-down drop by a Clearfield receiver, the Dragons took control of the ball near midfield late in the half.

Central moved the ball downfield and when back-up quarterback Jeff Hoenstine connected with junior receiver Hunter Klotz on a quick, 8-yard slant, the momentum of the game shifted to the Dragons.

Central continued its renewed play after intermission as quarterback Braden Kitt scored from 4 yards out then lofted a beautiful 35-yard scoring pass to sophomore Josh Biesinger on a fourth-down play to give the Dragons a 21-17 lead with 11 minutes remaining.

After a second consecutive Clearfield fumble gave the ball back to Central, the home crowd was revved up and tasting an unexpected upset, but Clearfield was able to get the ball back and score in the final two minutes to claim the victory.

For the game, the visitors had a 343-220 advantage in total yards that included a 229-127 advantage in rushing yardage. Zach Imler paced the Dragon rushing attack with 58 yards on eight carries.

Kitt and Hoenstine combined for 10-of-22 passing for 93 yards. Hoenstine's three receptions led the team in receiving.

"That was a great comeback by our boys," Central coach Dave Baker said. "Clearfield really dominated early, but once we scored I believe the team really felt they could win. If we had made a play of two on offense in the fourth quarter we could have gotten the win.

"We improved a lot as a team and definitely took a step forward. This was a tough loss after being so far behind and coming back like we did. Now we need to prepare for and focus on a really tough Penns Valley team."

CHS (2-1) will play its first of three consecutive road games Friday, Sept. 13, traveling to Penns Valley (2-1). Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.

 

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