BALD EAGLE TOWNSHIP – To say the first half of the scholastic football has been a tough one for Central Mountain would be an understatement. The Wildcats struggled through the first five games winless; their only legitimate shot for a victory was the overtime heartbreaker in week four to Bellefonte. Week five was not kind, a 49-10 thrashing administered last Friday by Clearfield (3-2).
If the Wildcats are to turn their season around in the second half, their best opportunities will come tonight at Mifflinburg (1-4) and home next Friday night, Oct. 6 with Shamokin (1-4).
Central Mountain beat both teams a year ago, part of a three-win season. The Wildcats will need that result again to salvage this year because the schedule only gets more difficult down the stretch. Interestingly Mifflinburg played at Shamokin last Friday and the home-standing Indians won by a 29-15 score.
Mifflinburg picked up its only win in week four, downing Warrior Run 31-0. The Wildcats (yes, Mifflinburg’s mascot is the Wildcat, team colors blue and white) have put their offense in the hands of sophomore quarterback Gary DeGroat Jr. (5-11, 151). He has accumulated over 1,000 yards in offense this season: 66-for136 passing for 728 yards (four touchdowns, seven interceptions), 302 yards rushing on 69 carries (4.4 yards per carry), scoring two of Mifflinburg’s three ground touchdowns. Senior Chris Day (6-0, 170) is their top receiver, 21 catches for 306 yards and three scores.
Senior quarterback Austyn Carson leads Central Mountain offensively. Through five games he has passed for 487 yards and run for another 196. Sophomore Rocco Stark is second in rushing with 177 yards, including a 75-yard scoring burst against Clearfield last week. Senior Asher Corl leads all receivers with 34 catches. Senior defensive end Mason Campbell leads the defense with four sacks.
The record-online will offer live audio/video stream of the game and will also broadcast audio on WBPZ AM 1230 with John Lipez and Tom Elling offering up the call to bring you all the action. The stream will go live approximately 15 minutes before kickoff.
