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EBENSBURG -- Central Cambria withstood a spirited challenge from visiting Somerset on Friday night as the Red Devils' offensive firepower was too much for the Golden Eagles in a 43-21 Laurel Highlands victory that propelled the Devils into the District 6 Class 3A playoffs for the first time since 2020.
Play of the game: After Somerset made it a one-possession game and pulled within 29-21 with just over a minute left in the third quarter, Central Cambria senior running back Ryan Chappell took it the distance on a 78-yard touchdown run to put his team back in control of the contest.
Player of the game: Chappell rushed for a game-high 237 yards and four touchdowns on 24 carries.
Unsung hero: Central Cambria senior defensive lineman Eric Jackson was a force in the Golden Eagles backfield, as he tallied several key sacks and tackles for losses.
Most vital statistic: Central Cambria's offense rolled up 502 total yards on the night.
Central Cambria coach Wade Klezek: "There's no such thing as an easy game in the Laurel Highlands. They came out and did a good job, but our guys kept pushing. We were able to be physical and build up a lead. We're super excited and want this (making the playoffs) to be a yearly thing. These guys worked so hard and they deserve it."
Somerset coach Braden Fochtman: "I don't think our record defines how hard these kids are working. They're not giving up. I love to see that, and that's the kind of culture I'm trying to bring to this program."
Chappell: "Our coaches had a great scheme. We ran the ball downhill, and our O-line had a physical push. It was just so open I could just put my head down and get what yards I can."
Notable: Central Cambria quarterback Mason Pittsinger completed 10 of 20 passes for 139 yards and one touchdown while running for 75 yards and another score. Brody Makosy caught a fourth-quarter touchdown pass for the Red Devils and also had an interception on defense. Avery Conner was a perfect 5-for-5 on PAT's and had an interception.
Records: Central Cambria (7-2), Somerset (1-8)
Next week: Both teams will host Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference crossover games. Central Cambria will play host to Bellwood-Antis while Somerrset will close out its season at home against Penns Valley.
SCORE BY QUARTERS
Somerset 7 7 7 0 — 21
Central Cambria 8 14 14 7 — 43
First Quarter
S--Zelenak 32 run (Glessner kick), 10:56.
CC--Chappell 24 run (Chappell run), 6:34
Second Quarter
CC--Chappell 10 run (Conner kick), 11:45.
CC--Chappell 3 run (Conner kick), 6:54.
S--Anderson 5 run (Glessner kick), 1:10.
Third Quarter
CC--Pittsinger 35 run (Conner kick), 4:22.
S--Hagans 39 pass from G. Reese (Glessner kick), 1:22.
CC--Chappell 78 run (Conner kick), 1:05.
Fourth Quarter
CC--Makosy 23 pass from Pittsinger (Conner kick), 10:44.
TEAM STATISTICS S CC
First downs 12 19
Total Net Yards 257 502
Rushes-yards 22-104 38-347
Passing 153 155
Comp-Att-Int 13-27-3 11-21-0
Punts 1-37.0 0-0.0
Fumbles-Lost 0-0 2-1
Penalties-Yards 5-27 7-80
INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS
RUSHING--Somerset, Zelenak 12-60, Sherbine 1-minus 4, Harmon 1-26, Anderson 3-11, G. Reese 3-1, Baker 1-5, Buterbaugh 1-5. Central Cambria, Chappell 24-237, Pittsinger 8-75, Dawson 2-7, Dill 2-12, Plummer 1-4, Forcellini 1-12.
PASSING--Somerset, G. Reese 10-24-3-119, M. Reese 3-3-0-34. Central Cambria, Pittsinger 10-20-0-139, Plummer 1-1-0-16.
RECEIVING--Somerset, Sherbine 4-22, Hagans 1-39, Bhullar 1-11, Berkey 1-8, Buterbaugh 4-47, Baker 1-2, Harmon 1-24. Central Cambria, Dill 2-15, Galli 1-29, Makosy 2-24, Miller 2-23, Sinosky 2-45, Contorchick 1-16, Seymour 1-3.