State College earns huge road victory over Central Dauphin

Cohen Russell and Tristen Lyons were instrumental in leading State College to an important road victory over the Central Dauphin Rams.

The combination of running back Tristen Lyons and slot back Cohen Russell proved to be too much for the Rams.  The dynamic duo ignited State College’s offense with explosive touchdowns in the second half.

State College (8-2, 4-2 league) and Central Dauphin (6-4, 3-3 league) are now headed to the opening round of the playoffs.  State College will now compete in the District 6 playoffs and Central Dauphin will challenge in the District 3 playoffs.

Offensive Stars of the Game: Tristen Lyons toted the rock 16 times for 103 yards and totaled 63 yards on two receptions.  He was on the receiving end of State College quaterback Tommy Friberg’s screen pass in the flat and dashed 58-yards to the end zone in the third quarter.

Cohen Russell hauled in ten receptions for 92 yards.  Russell also tallied 99 yards on four carries with a 80-yard touchdown scamper.

Tommy Friberg completed 16-of-25 passes for 209 yards and added two touchdown passes.  He had one pass intercepted by Central Dauphin defensive back Tyler Leisher in the first half.

Central Dauphin running back Mike Wise-Belle rushed for 107 hard earned yards on 26 carries and a scored one touchdown.

Defensive Stars of the Game: Defensive end Jackson Heasley collected three sacks on the evening and was a constant force for State College’s formidable pass rush.  State College linebacker Ian Barr assisted in the fourth quarter causing a crucial forced fumble on 4th down that State College recovered deep in Central Dauphin territory.

Adam Burkhart, a junior linebacker/fullback from Central Dauphin, was very disruptive again for the Rams. He is a hard hitting defender who makes big plays and had numerous tackles on Friday night.

Turning Point: Central Dauphin was trailing 14-3 late in the third quarter and Rams placekicker Ethan Van Buskirk missed a 45-yard field goal attempt.  On the ensuing play the momentum swung in State College’s favor big-time as Cohen Russell took a reverse 80 yards to the house to give the Little Lions a 21-3 lead.

Key Stat: Lyons and Russell combined for 357 total yards and two touchdowns while State College outscored Central Dauphin 24-7 after halftime.

Up Next: Central Dauphin (6-4, 3-3) visits Manheim Township for the second time this year, while State College (8-2, 4-2) will face off against Erie Area.