NEW BETHLEHEM, Pa. (EYT/D9) — It has been building each week with every huge performance, epic scoring spree and lopsided victory.
The anticipation of the showdown between the Central Clarion and Redbank Valley football teams has been palpable.
And now it is here.
(Pictured above, the Central Clarion defensive line digs in before a play in the mud last week against St. Marys/photo by Ripple Photography)
On Friday night, in what is sure to be an electric atmosphere in New Bethlehem, undefeated Central Clarion (9-0), averaging a state-best 61.6 points per game, takes on undefeated Redbank Valley (9-0), averaging 54.6 points per game.
The stakes? Well, ultimately just bragging rights.
It’s a strange regular-season finale for both teams, which have much bigger aspirations than the outcome of this heavyweight bout. Central Clarion, the defending District 9 Class 2A champions, has long had its sights set on winning another and getting past the first round of the PIAA playoffs — ultimately chasing a state championship.
Central Clarion football coverage on Explore and D9Sports.com is brought to you by Redbank Chevrolet and DuBrook.
Redbank Valley, meanwhile, also has some high hopes beyond this contest. Last year the Bulldogs beat the Wildcats, but fell in the first round of the District 9 Class A playoffs.
It’s also senior night for the Bulldogs.
All of those factors make for a difficult decision on how to treat this game for Redbank coach Blane Gold.
“I think it’s a situation, when you look at it, that we have to do what’s best for our team,” Gold said. “We pulled out a win last year and we couldn’t win a single playoff game. I mean, we’re the most banged up that we’ve been all season right now. We had defensive backs playing on the defensive line on Thursday night (in a 52-28 win over Brockway last week); We had a linebacker playing nose tackle. We have some doctor’s appointments this week to see if guys are gonna be cleared or not.”
Gold took the same tact last season. When the lights finally came on and his team hit the field, everyone who could play was a go and Redbank went all-out to secure the win.
Redbank Valley, Keystone, and Union/A-C Valley sports coverage on Explore and D9Sports.com is brought to you by Heeter Lumber.
“Whoever we decide to put on the field, whoever is healthy, it’s gonna be a great challenge for us,” Gold said. “They’re an extremely good football team and they’re very well coached.”
Things are a bit different for Central Clarion, which will almost certainly have a week off before the Class 2A playoffs, either because of a bye or because of a limited field of participating teams.
Brookville is in. A third team, Karns City, will enter with a win on Friday night at home over Mount Union.
Redbank Valley will likely have a first-round playoff game next week in a much larger potential Class A field.
“For either team, win or lose, it doesn’t really affect anything,” said Central Clarion coach Dave Eggleton. “We’re both kind of going into the playoffs as heavy favorites for the district title in our classes.”
Still, bragging rights are a power motivator.
On the field, both teams have been putting up gaudy numbers this season ahead of this slobber knocker in Newbie.
The tale of the tape:
QUARTERBACKS
Two of the best, not only in D9, but the state, will square off.
In the Wildcats’ corner is junior Jase Ferguson, who has completed 103-of-153 for 2,004 yards and 37 touchdowns to just two interceptions.
(Central Clarion quarterback Jase Ferguson/photo by Ripple Photography)
In the Bulldogs’ corner, meanwhile, is Braylon Wagner has completed 140-of-193 passes for 2,374 yards and 38 touchdowns to just two interceptions.
RECEIVERS
Central Clarion has four dangerous receivers, led by senior Dawson Smail.
Smail had 699 yards on 32 receptions with 13 touchdowns. Mason Burford had 512 yards receiving on 25 catches and 12 TDs.
Brady Quinn and Tommy Smith, who missed some time due to injury, are also options in the Wildcats’ diverse passing game.
Redbank Valley also has a fearsome foursome of pass catchers, led by senior Mason Clouse.
Clouse set the single-season touchdown reception mark two weeks ago at home against Port Allegany and has 16 this year to go with 843 yards on 46 receptions.
Ashton Kahle is the deep threat with 701 yards on 37 receptions. Ashton George (29 receptions, 471 yards and nine TDs) and Rylan Rupp (18 catches for 274 yards and three scores) round out the strong corps.
“The speed they have is something we haven’t seen yet,” Eggleton said. “That’s gonna be a test for our secondary. Honestly, I think their athletes are as good as probably any in Class A or 2A. I don’t think you’re gonna find many teams with four or five athletes like the ones they have.”
RUNNING BACKS
This is where things diverge.
Central Clarion has relied on a bevy of ballcarriers this season. Ferguson actually leads the team in rushing with 587 yards and seven touchdowns.
Noah Naser has 397 yards rushing and seven TDs; Noah Harrison has added 340 yards and six more scores.
Redbank junior Drew Byers is the main guy with 696 yards on 107 carries and eight touchdowns. Wagner can also run, adding 302 yards and eight more TDs.
OFFENSIVE LINE
Central Clarion returned all five starters — six, really, in tight end Hayden Hindman — and it has shown.
Ferguson has had time to pick apart the defense. The running backs and Ferguson have had plenty of room to run.
(Redbank Valley’s offensive line against Brockway/photo by Ripple Photography)
Redbank Valley’s line has also meshed well this season.
DEFENSE
Junior linebacker Braylon Beckwith is having a year for Central Clarion, leading all of D9 in tackles per game at 13.3.
The Wildcats have given up just 67 points this season.
“You know, we’ve played really, really sound defense,” Eggleton said. “I feel like our defensive front has played very well this year.”
Redbank Valley has also been stingy, as well as opportunistic.
Caden Adams has 65 tackles and Brandon Ross has 17 tackles for a loss. Kahle has seven interceptions as the Bulldogs have forces 24 turnovers this season.
SPECIAL TEAMS
Both teams are dangerous in this area as well.
Central Clarion and Redbank Valley are blessed with standout place kickers.
Thomas Uckert made a 42-yard field goal last week for the Wildcats and has made 69-of-72 extra points.
Redbank Valley’s Owen Clouse — also a dangerous return man — is 3-of-4 on field goals and has converted 53-of-54 extra points.
Central Clarion football coverage on Explore and D9Sports.com is brought to you by Redbank Chevrolet and DuBrook.
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