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Hoenstine breaks touchdown record, Central rolls to semifinals @CHSdragonpride @CentralDragonFB @GC_EaglesFB

Tagged under: District 10, District 6, Gameday Hub, News

| November 27, 2021

Slippery Rock – Central advances to state semifinals in record-breaking fashion.

The weather at Slippery Rock’s Mihalick-Thompson Stadium wasn’t exactly suited to favor the passing game; it didn’t matter Friday night.

The Central Scarlet Dragons cruised to a 35-6 mercy-rule win over District 10 Champion Grove City.

“Grove City is a good team,” said Central head coach Dave Baker. “This didn’t come easy tonight. It wasn’t like it was a 35-0 game. This game was closer than the scoreboard indicated.”

In doing so, Scarlet Dragons junior quarterback Jeff Hoenstine threw his state-record 55th and 56th touchdown passes in the process.

The Dragons also piled up 280 yards rushing, led by Parker Gregg, who gained a game-high 165 yards on 18 carries.

“Our running game was able to take over when we were having trouble throwing the ball tonight,” said Baker. “It’s not easy to pass with the wind and snow that we had tonight. Our guys were able to adjust well and make plays.”

Central scored on their first possession of the game as Hoenstine threw a 1-yard shovel pass to Hunter Smith to break the touchdown passing record for a single season previously held by Aaron Tobias of Penns Valley High School.

 

“Jeff setting the record is a huge thing for him, our school, and community,” said Baker. “He has earned it and has done what has been necessary to achieve that record. With the weather being the way it was tonight, it was hard to throw the football.”

Smith added 65 yards on the ground for Central.

The Scarlet Dragons extended their lead early in the second quarter when Gregg threw a halfback option pass to Ethan Eicher for a 4-yard score.

Both of Central’s first two touchdown drives came on short fields. Their first touchdown drive covered 25 yards due to a short punt, while the second was 15 yards thanks to a sack by the Scarlet Dragons defense when Grove City gambled on fourth down.

Before halftime, Gregg broke loose for a 54-yard touchdown run with two seconds to play in the first half.

“When we broke that run, we knew it was going to be hard for them to come back from being down twenty-one,” said Baker.

Central put the PIAA’s mercy rule in effect during the third quarter with a pair of touchdowns. Hoenstine threw a 33-yard touchdown to Eli Lingenfelter before rushing for an 18-yard score.

Central led 35-0 after three quarters.

“Defensively, we were able to pressure the passer, and we didn’t give up any long runs,” said Baker. “We played good pass defense most of the time, but they had great receivers and made catches I didn’t think they could make. They were not easy to beat tonight.”

With the game looking like a winter wonderland all night long, Hoenstine finished the game going 5-for-12, passing for 53 yards with two touchdowns while also being intercepted twice. He also rushed for 53 yards on 11 carries.

“Having your football season end is always tough,” said Grove City head coach Sam Mowrey. “Losing a game is one thing, but knowing it’s the last time you’re going to coach your seniors is the toughest pill to swallow. We are proud of our seniors, and what’ve they’ve accomplished. It has been a special year, to say the least.”

Grove City was able to thwart the shutout late in the fourth quarter when Gavin Lutz hauled in an 18-yard touchdown pass from Hunter Hohman with 4:32 to play.

 

Lutz had four catches for 73 yards to lead Grove City. Hohman completed 9-of-22 passes for 105 yards with the touchdown and an interception while also rushing for 44 yards.

Grove City concludes their season at 10-3 with a District 10 Title.

“Central is a good team, and they played well tonight, said, Mowrey. “When we look back at this game, we’ll see that our kids battled and did everything in their power tonight. We’re so proud of them with the heart and effort they gave all season.”

Central advances to play the winner of the WPIAL 3A Final between two unbeaten teams in Central Valley and North Catholic.

“We know whoever we get it that they’re going to be good,” said Baker. “We’re aware that the WPIAL is a very tough league. We’re going to need to work hard and prepare to play our best game.”

Game Highlights:

Stats courtesy of Ryan Briggs

Central 35 Grove City 6

Score by Quarters

Central – 7 14 14 0 – 35
Grove City – 0 0 0 6 – 6

Scoring Summary

First Quarter

C – Hunter Smith 1 yd pass from Jeff Hoenstine, (Smith pat), 9:36

Second Quarter

C – Ethan Eicher 4 yd pass from Parker Gregg, (Smith pat), 11:09

C – Gregg 54 yd run, (Smith pat), 0:02

Third Quater

C – Eli Lingenfelter 33 yd pass from Hoenstine, (Smith pat), 7:02

C – Hoenstine 18 yd run, (Smith pat), 0:32

Fourth Quarter

GC – Gavin Lutz 18 yd pass from Hunter Hohman, (pass failed), 4:32

Individual Stats

Rushing: Central – Gregg 18-165, Smith 10-65, Hoenstine 11-53, Kade Rhule 3-1, Max Baker 1-(-4). Totals: 43-280. Grove City -Hohman 13-44, Curtis Hovis 12-24, Anthony Nemec 3-3, Zach Rodgers 1-3, Team 1-0. Totals: 30-74.

Receiving: Central – Eicher 2-13, Lingenfelter 1-33, Josh Biesinger 1-5, Gregg 1-5, Smith 1-1, Jacob Benton 1-(-2). Grove City – Lutz 4-73, Nemec 2-14, Joey Hathaway 1-12, Anthony Pereira 1-6, Rodgers 1-0.

Passing: Central – Hoenstine 5-for-12, 53 yards, 2 touchdowns, 2 interceptions, Greg 1-for-1, 4 yards, 1 touchdown. Grove City – Hohman 9-for-22, 105 yards, 2 interceptions.

Interceptions: Central – Hoenstine. Grove City – Lutz, Zach Rodgers.

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