Central Dragons dominate in offensive explosion against Chestnut Ridge Lions @CentralDragonFB @CRLionsFootball

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Connor Walker | August 28, 2021

Photo by Patrick Waksmunski – Hunter Smith breaks tackle on Luke Moore for a TD

While prior to the game many were worried about delays due to weather, the game between Central and Chestnut Ridge Started on time. Both teams were sure to not disappoint fans with this offensive battle. With conditions wet and soon to be foggy, players took the field for kickoff at 7:00 pm for the teams respective season openers. Unbeknownst to the players at the time, both teams would soon explode to put up over 400 all-purpose-yards throughout the game.

On the first drive after kickoff, the Dragons scored the first TD of the game in a 9 play drive. #26 Parker Gregg  with a big play to take it to the 15 yard line breaking a tackle-something that would recur many more times throughout the night. This set up big-bodied sophomore #32 Hunter Smith for a 15 yard pass to end the drive. Followed by a missed PAT.

The first drive for the Lions would not be as successful and would end in a failed fourth down attempt, but would not go without a big reception to take them into Dragon territory by #8 Trevor Weyandt, who would make a couple more punishing gains in following drives.

To continue in the first quarter, the second drive of the Dragons was even more fruitful than the first. In only a few plays, #2 Jeff Hoenstine would connect for 61 yards with a big throw to junior receiver #22 Eli Lingenfelter for the TD. And to make up for the earlier PAT miss, Lingenfelter would make another catch for the 2-pt Conversion.

With Lions getting good field position on the kick return, they would pound the rock on this drive with a name many would hear throughout the game – #31 Jonah Hillegass. But Trevor Weyandt does make another notable catch on 1st down to lead for another 1st to march deep into Dragon territory. The touchdown would end up with a bruising run up the middle by Hillegass. The PAT successful by Senior kicker #52 Jack Moyer.

The next score for the Dragons would come in the 2nd quarter, with Hoenstine hitting his favorite target of the game once again, Eli Lingenfelter. #94 Averey Black would kick for the successful PAT.

The Lions would also score in the second quarter with Trevor Weyandt making a massive 76 yard reception from #9 Nate Whysong for the touchdown. Moyer rockets down the kick for another good PAT. The first half would end Central 21 – Chestnut Ridge 14.

“As a team we fought hard tonight. We knew this game wouldn’t be an easy one.” Said Senior lineman and captain #71 Joshua Waite, “Our guys put out a great effort, with a strong running and passing attack. Our defense was tested, but stayed strong. The first game of the season is done, now we look forward to being home next week against Forest Hills.”

In the third quarter the Dragons defense would take over and would not allow any points by the opposing, but giving plenty of opportunities to themselves. Hunter Smith would make a play with a tide turning fumble recovery. And 6’5″ receiver #5 Devon Boyles would have a great 27 yard catch for a TD. Then after the defense stopped the Lions, a big connection was made with Hoenstine to Lingenfelter with a 44 yard pass on play action en route to Gregg on a future play running for 9 and scoring once again. Both PATs were successful by Black.

In the 4th the Lions offense heated up again, with a drive going all the way to the goal line with an absolutely bruising attack on the ground. Hillegass would get the score on a 1 yard run. And Moyer would succeed with a PAT

Central would score again with the sure-fire player of the night, Eli Lingenfelter with a 35 yard pass by Hoenstine. The extra point attempt failed.

With almost a minute and a half left, the Lions offense closed the gap with once again, Hillegass, making another big 10 yard run on the last play of the game. Moyer would cap off the night not missing a single extra point, adding 1 on their score to make 28.

END SCORE: 41-28

Central will be opening for their first home game with a lot of momentum and will fight against Forest Hills. The Lions will be going against Central Cambria next week to their first away game after the loss. It will be interesting to see how both of these great teams look at the end of the season.

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