Trending
EBENSBURG -- Central Cambria couldn't have asked for a better start to Friday night's Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference season opener against visiting Richland, as the Red Devils controlled the ball and the clock for the first 16 and a half minutes of the contest before the Rams were able to take an offensive snap.
An opening 15-play, 80-yard drive was capped off by Ryan Chappell's 3-yard touchdown run, and the Red Devils then caught the Rams by surprise with an onside kick to keep possession. However, Central Cambria was unable to add to that early lead, and Richland's high-powered offense kicked into gear in the second half to help the Rams pull away and earn a 28-7 victory.
Play of the game: With time running out late in the first half and Central Cambria leading 7-0, Richland quarterback Jacob Regan threw a 7-yard touchdown pass to Joey Ragno with just 14 seconds left, seizing the momentum for the Rams that carried over into the second half.
Player of the game: Regan completed 14 of 21 passes for 213 yards and two touchdowns, while rushing for an additional 48 yards on 12 carries.
Unsung hero: Ragno had a rushing touchdown, receiving touchdown, and an interception on defense for the Rams.
Most vital statistic: Central Cambria was outgained by Richland 242-41 in net yardage over the final two quarters.
Richland coach Brandon Bailey: "Give credit to Central Cambria, they had a really nice game plan and were able to play keep-away. We were able to get it back, tie it up, and come out and finish things off in the second half."
Central Cambria coach Wade Klezek: "We came out very physical and ran the ball well. Our line got it done, and the backs did a good job finishing, Against a team that's as talented as them offensively, you have to match them points-wise. You can't have empty drives or they'll get you."
Regan: "I'm as lucky as it comes as a quarterback. I've got four great receivers and two great running backs, and our linemen had one of their best games ever."
Notable: Chappell finished with 50 yards rushing for Central Cambria, while Rutgers-bound wide receiver Arnold Mugerwa caught four passes for a game-high 81 yards for Richland.
Records: Richland (1-0), Central Cambria (0-1)
Next week: Richland hosts Bishop Guilfoyle. Central Cambria travels to Penns Valley.
SCORE BY QUARTERS
Richland 0 7 7 14 — 28
Central Cambria 7 0 0 0 — 7
First Quarter
CC--Chappell 3 run (Conner kick), 1:53.
Second Quarter
R--Ragno 7 pass from Regan (Smith kick), 0:14.
Third Quarter
R--Bond 29 pass from Regan (Smith kick), 8:28.
Fourth Quarter
R--Ragno 24 run (Smith kick), 9:39.
R--Christian 4 run (Smith kick), 7:47.
TEAM STATISTICS R CC
First downs 15 12
Total yards 345 162
Rushes-yards 24-132 34-135
Passing yards 213 27
Comp-Att-Int 14-21-0 5-10-2
Punts 1-37.0 2-32.0
Fumbles-lost 2-1 1-1
Penalties-yards 8-83 2-10
INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS
RUSHING--Richland, Ragno 8-60, Regan 12-48, Christian 3-19, Mugerwa 1-5. Central Cambria, Chappell 14-50, Pittsinger 15-69, Dawson 4-15, Dill 1-1.
PASSING--Richland, Regan 14-21-0-213. Central Cambria, Pittsinger 5-9-1-27, Chappell 0-1-1-0
RECEIVING--Richland, Mugerwa 4-81, Bond 5-74, Christian 4-51, Ragno 1-7. Central Cambria, Galli 1-9, Dill 3-12, Sinosky 1-6.