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JOHNSTOWN -- Getting a win in the first game of the season is great anytime, especially at home. The Richland Rams did just that on Friday night as they beat the Central Cambria Red Devils 21-6 at Herlinger Field.
Out of the last 13 meetings between the two schools, Richland has won 12 of them, with the lone exception coming in 2015 when the Red Devils won, 16-15.
"I think it was very indicative of a first-game performance," Richland coach Brandon Bailey said. "I told the kids, winning is hard in this league, and we were able to get the win and move to 1-0."
After a scoreless first quarter, the Rams' ground game got them on the board halfway through the second.
Junior running back Grayson Mahla took a direct snap from 1 yard out for the score.
"I knew when we got in the red zone, he (Bailey) usually has me run those short ones in," Mahla said. "I'm usually more of a just run it in type of guy."
With :43 left in the second quarter, Richland running back Joe McAneny racked up a 26-yard touchdown run to put the Rams up 14-0 going into halftime.
"Alex Bond made that play; he had a great block on the outside," McAneny said. "I wasn't getting enough yards in the first part, and I made it worth it with that run."
In the third quarter, down 21-0 at one point, Alex Kubat carried the ball from 18 yards out for a Red Devil touchdown to cut it to 15 points at the 4:00 mark.
At the end of the day, Richland's experience was too much for Central Cambria to handle.
"Whenever they got into crucial moments, they stepped up and made some plays," Central Cambria coach Wade Klezek said. "We left a little bit out there.
Play of the game: At the 7:53 mark of the third quarter, Jamere Christian hauled in a 29-yard toucchdown pass to seal the game for the Rams. That made it 21-0.
Player of the game: Mahla tallied 12 carries for 74 yards and one touchdown.
Unsung hero: Richland quarterback Jacob Regan completed a high percent of his passes, going 16 of 28 in the win.
Most vital statistic: The Rams finished the game with 183 yards on the ground.
Bailey: "We have a lot of guys in the skill positions that can really do things when they get the football, Bailey said." "I think the more important thing is that they play team football."
Klezek: "We got everything out there in front of us. Every goal that we wanted is still achievable, these guys played so hard."
McAneny: "This is my favorite team I've ever been a part of. Great group of guys. I'm just excited for the next couple games."
Notable: Despite the win, Richland committed 12 penalties for 115 yards.
Records: Central Cambria (0-1) Richland (1-0)
Next week: Richland travels to Altoona to take on Bishop Guilfoyle Academy. Central Cambria welcomes Penns Valley for their home opener. Penns Valley lost to Bishop Guilfoyle Friday night.
SCORE BY QUARTERS
Central Cambria 0 0 6 0 — 6
Richland 0 14 7 0 — 21
Second Quarter
R--Mahla 1 Run (Timcik kick), 9:58.
R--McAneny 26 run (Timcik kick), 0:43.
Third Quarter
R--Christian 29 pass from Regan (Timcik kick), 7:53.
C--Kubat 18 run (Kick failed), 4:00.
TEAM STATISTICS….CC R
First downs 10 16
Total yards 360 573
Rushes-yards 20-80 26-183
Yards passing 280 390
Pass (comp.-att.-int.). 7-17-1 17-28-1
Punts-avg. 1-48 2.29.5
Fumbles lost 0 1
Penalties-yards 4-40 12-115
INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS
RUSHING--Central Cambria, R. Chappell 13-45, Pittsinger 2-6, Makosy 3-7, Kubat 2-22. Richland, McAneny 8-74, Mahla 12-74, Christian 1-1, Knepper 3-6, Regan 2-28.
PASSING--Central Cambria, Pittsinger 6-17-140-1. Richland, Regan 16-28-195-1.
RECEIVING--Central Cambria, Sinosky, 1-2 Galli 1-47, Stevens 1-28, Kutchman 3-63. Richland, Mugerwa 7-94, Mahla 2-25, Christian 6-65, Knepper 1-11.