Raiders Edge Wildcats, 34-31 in Four OT
BELLEFONTE – The winless Central Mountain Wildcats gave favored Bellefonte all the Red Raiders could handle Friday night, but the home team won a four-overtime thriller by a 34-31 score.
The win in the three-plus hour game put Bellefonte at 3-1 on the year; the heartbreaking loss left Central Mountain at 0-4 and returning home next Friday to take on Clearfield (2-2).
Central Mountain led for much of regulation time. They opened a 7-0 lead on their initial possession, a 70-yard drive ending in an Austyn Carson four yard run. Bellefonte answered shortly thereafter when receiver Cade Fortney went 70 yards on a sweep, the score 7-7 at the half. The Wildcats scored on their first possession of the second half with a 78-yard drive, the score coming on a Carson to Izzy McCann 32 yard pass, the extra point making it 14-7 for the visitors. Bellefonte would tie things up in the fourth quarter, using another Fortney sweep from five yards out to knot things up at 14-14.
Central Mountain had a shot for the win in the game’s final seconds of regulation, but Carson’s 46 yard field goal try was wide left.
The clock passed 10 p.m as the game moved through four overtimes. Each team traded touchdowns on their first two possessions, the Wildcat scores coming on a Carson to Asher Corl 7-yard pass and a Carson 2-yard touchdown run; the game tied at 28-28 after the first two overtimes.
The third overtime looked like a prospective win for Central Mountain. Bellefonte had the ball first and fumbled it away, recovered by the Wildcats’ Mahlik Houtz. The Wildcats went for the win on a third down 24-yard field goal try. Carson booted the ball long and high and the Wildcats went into a victory celebration, only to half the officials signal the kick wide left. So the game remained 28-28 heading into the fourth overtime.
Central Mountain had the initial possession and had to settle for a Carson 30-yard field goal, the score 31-28 Central Mountain. But Bellefonte would answer back. From the 10 Fortney went to the two on a sweep and Dexter Gallishaw went in from two yards out for a 34-31 Bellefonte final.
While Central Mountain lost the Wildcats put up their best numbers of the year, finishing with 313 yards of offense. Carson rushed 20 times for 65 yards and two scores and passed 16-of-34 for 196 yards, two touchdowns and one interception. Sophomore Rocco Stark had his best night rushing, picking up 51 yards on 13 carries. McCann led all receivers with five catches for 52 yards, Corl next with three for 29 yards. Fortney led Bellefonte with 118 yards on 10 ball carries.
Clearfield, next Friday’s Wildcat opponent, lost Friday night by a 28-7 score to Huntingdon. Other scores included Jersey Shore 38, Lewisburg 6; and Shikellamy 28, Selinsgrove 26.
| Sept. 15, 2017 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | OT1 | OT2 | OT3 | OT4 | TOTAL |
| CENTRAL MOUNTAIN | 7 | 0 | 7 | 0 | 7 | 7 | 0 | 3 | 31 |
| HOME TEAM | 7 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 0 | 6 | 34 |
Something to Cheer About
The Lady Wildcats cheerleading squad has been on hand supporting the football program at every game. They are there through thick and thin doing their best to represent their school and community. Be sure to let them know you appreciate their contributions to making ‘Friday Night Lights’ a positive and enjoyable experience.
