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HARRISBURG -- Altoona had one of its best performances on the defensive side of the ball in quite some time on Friday evening, shutting out Central Dauphin East, 14-0, at Landis Field.
It was the Mountain Lions' first shutout since Oct. 3, 2023 when they blanked Mifflin County, 35-0.
Altoona held the Panthers to just four total first downs for the game.
"I knew we were playing really well," Altoona coach Vince Nedimyer Jr. said. "I knew we were on their side of the line of scrimmage. We made plays. Wyatt (Moyer) got a pick. Mikey (Chisolm) got a pick. We're getting to a point where we're just ready to get over the hump."
Julian Hazlewood scored both Altoona touchdowns on the night, one from 1 yard and the other a 65-yard run with nine seconds left in the first half.
Play of the game: Hazlewood looked to be stopped for a short gain with Altoona ready to get to the locker room up 7-0. Instead, the senior speedster broke loose from a CD East tackle and took it 65 yards for a touchdown with nine seconds remaining in the first half to give the Mountain Lions a 14-0 lead.
Player of the game: Hazlewood was the hot hand for the night, and he made the most of it with 18 carries and 134 yards rushing to lead Altoona.
Unsung heroes: The Altoona defensive front seven were especially tough on CD East as they lived in the backfield all night. It resulted in just 70 yards of total offense for the Panthers.
Most vital statistic: Altoona ran 61 plays on offense to just 37 for CD East. In return, the Mountain Lions had four times as many total yards, winning the battle, 280-70.
Nedimyer: "The only people that really believe are the guys in that locker room. We know what we have in the locker room, and it's been a tough first five games. But the only people that matter that believe are the ones in here, and that's all that matters to me. It showed tonight."
Central Dauphin East coach Tyshaun Pollard: "It's tough, especially when you put so much work in. It seemed like they wanted it more tonight. They made more explosive plays.
"Explosive plays make the game, especially at this level. If you're able to get them, you don't have to drive 80 yards and you don't have to go 14 or 15 plays on defense. I really preach trying to make those big plays. For the last couple weeks, it seems like we're on the wrong side of all of those."
Hazlewood on Altoona getting its second win: "There's still more coming. The job is not finished. It feels good to get the win, especially on the road. But we still have more to do."
Notable: Altoona only caught five passes from quarterback Parker White, but one was a big play for 44 yards to Chisolm. ... Myzick Clemons spelled Hazlewood in the backfield, and he gained 44 yards on 12 rushes. ... CD East's Avery Romain got 51 yards on the ground on 17 carries.
Records: Altoona (2-3); CD East (2-3)
Next week: The Mountain Lions host Bishop McDevitt, while CD East travels to Cumberland Valley.
SCORE BY QUARTERS
Altoona 0 14 0 0 -- 14
CD East 0 0 0 0 -- 0
Second Quarter
A–Hazlewood 1 run (Chathams kick), 6:00
A–Hazlewood 65 run Chathams kick), :09
TEAM STATISTICS A CDE
First downs 15 4
Total yards 280 70
Rushes-yards 51-229 19-46
Yards passing 51 24
Passing (comp.-att.-int.) 5-10-0 4-18-2
Punts-avg. 5-34.2 7-30.4
Fumbles-lost 1-0 1-0
Penalties-yards 4-45 6-35
INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS
RUSHING--Altoona, Hazlewood 18-134, Clemons 12-44, Baer 4-34, Chathams 5-20, White 9-12, TEAM 3-(-15). Central Dauphin East, Romain 17-51, TEAM 1-(-1), George 1-(-4).
PASSING--Altoona, White 5-10-0-51. Central Dauphin East, George 4-18-2-24.
RECEIVING--Altoona, Chisholm 1-44, Clemons 3-5, Baer 1-2. Central Dauphin East, Lemelle 3-16, Romain 1-8.