Wildcats Fall To St. Marys In Close Game

(Images by Nate Girvan) Above: Jase Ferguson looking for an open receiver.

The Central Clarion Wildcats traveled to St. Marys on Friday (September 24th), for a District Nine League, Large School South contest, dropping a close 42-39 decision.

Down 21-6 to the Flying Dutch, in the second quarter, Jase Ferguson hit Christian Simko with a touchdown pass, cutting Central’s deficit to 21-12. A St. Mary’s score moved their lead to 27-12, and close out the first half scoring.

After recovering a successful onside kick, to open the second half (one of three in the half), Ferguson hit Simko again, this time from 23 yards out, cutting the Dutch’s lead to 27-18. St. Marys scored on a Christian Caldriet to Carter Chadsey pass from 50 yards out. With the conversion, the Dutch led 35-18.

Central would close out the third quarter scoring, with Ferguson hitting Ashton Rex from 31 yards out and a successful PAT, to trail 35-26.

St. Marys opened the fourth quarter scoring, with an interception return by Logan Moser. The point after was good, giving the Dutch a 42-26 lead.

The Wildcats scored two touchdowns later in the quarter. The first came on a run by Breckin Rex, with 6:24 left, cutting St. Marys’ lead to ten, 42-32. And then, with 4:25 left in the game. Ferguson hit Ashton Rex with a touchdown pass; the PAT was good, setting the final, with the Central falling by just three points.

Ferguson threw for 241 yards, completing 15 of 26 passes, with 4 touchdowns and a two-point conversion, with two interceptions. Simko had 4 receptions on 4 targets for 95 yards, with two touchdowns. Ashton Rex had 4 receptions on 4 targets for 74 yards, with two touchdowns.

Breckin Rex had 86 rushing yards on 23 attempts. Ryan Hummell ran the ball 10 times for 69 yards and had 24 receeiving yards on 4 receptions in five targets.

Coach Dave Eggleton was happy with his team’s performance, saying, “I was happy with the effort our team put forth Friday. We can out slow, but fought back into the game and never gave up. I feel like this is something we can build on moving forward.” 

The Wildcats will host the Kane Wolves, in Clarion Area’s Homecoming Game, on Friday (October 1st), at Memorial Stadium.

(Thanks to Nate Girvan for his images. Way to hang tough, Wildcats!!!!)