Claysburg-Kimmel Ready to Christen 2023 Season at Their Home Field

Friday night will mark one of the biggest football games in Claysburg-Kimmel history. It won't even matter whether the Bulldogs can upend powerhouse conference newcomer Berlin Brothersvalley or not.

The Bulldogs are coming home.

"I think that everyone is super excited," senior left guard-defensive end Ethan Claycomb said. "We have been waiting so long.

"It's finally here."

After a couple of years of running loose - driving 20 minutes up I-99 to play home games in Hollidaysburg - C-K finally will get to play a real game in sight of its own high school at Bulldog Stadium to start the 2023 season. Kickoff for the Inter-County Conference interdivisional tussle with the visiting Mountaineers is set for 7 p.m.

"It means the world to me knowing I get to finally play on our home football field. It's exciting that the team doesn't have to load onto a bus to go play a "home" game," senior left tackle-defensive end Reece Replogle said. "It's a different atmosphere and you can tell the whole town is ready to see us play in front of them."

Renovation of Bulldog Stadium started after the 2020 season. It had been planned or hoped that all the upgrades - most notably the installation of artificial turf -would be completed in time for the Bulldogs to kickoff there Continued from A-1

after a year "hosting" at Tiger Stadium. Snags, however, delayed the process.

For some of the seniors, Friday will be the first time they've played a meaningful varsity snap at Bulldog Stadium. For the underclassmen? Well, it will be the first time for them to play a down that counted at the venue ever.

"I'm super excited for this season, and it's going to seem so surreal playing the first game in Claysburg since my freshman season and not having to travel for a home game," said Bulldog senior receiver-linebacker Anthony McGeary.

The Bulldogs only won two out of 10 of its home games over the last two seasons.

The school district unofficially christened its updated home with a scrimmage against Tussey Mountain on Saturday morning, but that doesn't count in the standings.

As Replogle noted, the players aren't the only ones in eager anticipation of the special occasion.

"Everyone in the Claysburg community is looking forward to the first home game," Queen resident Ginger Claar said. "It's so great to have such a sports facility representing our community, looking forward to the football season and also baseball and softball next spring. Go, Bulldogs!"

A transplant from Altoona, where she was an outstanding athlete, Claar has made it a habit to attend home games and support the C-K teams since she moved to the southern part of Blair County.

The contest also will mark the debut of Claysburg-Kimmel high school principal Chuck Kassick as head coach.

"(He) has made some big changes to our offense, and I think that going to be a big determining factor on how our season turns out," Claycomb said.

The Bulldogs were 1-9 last year, beating Everett in the season opener.

Kassick, though, said he has an excited bunch itching to end their losing streak.

"We are full of enthusiasm and eager to learn," Kassick said. "This team does not complain about working hard or going the extra mile. They are very coachable."

Kassick's new-age offense figures to get a stern test off the bat. Berlin is coming off an 11-1 season that began with seven consecutive shutouts. Doug Paul's team returns four of its top five solo tacklers, among them standout defensive back Pace Prosser, who intercepted six passes.

The Mountaineers beat Bedford in the District 5-8 Class 2A subregional before finally losing to eventual state runner-up Westinghouse.

Claysburg will have a new look in how it runs the offense, but it also will have a lot of new faces throwing, running and catching the ball. McGeary is the only holdover who got significant action at the skill positions in 2022.

The entire offensive line, though, is back.

"I feel a lot more confident in our team this year in the way that we are already way ahead of what we were this past year," McGeary said.

This article is sponsored by Carpet Depot Home Center.