Central Mountain Falls to Mount Carmel

MOUNT CARMEL-Central Mountain’s struggles continued Friday night as they traveled to Mount Carmel, falling 49-20 in a game that saw the home team take control early. With the loss, Central Mountain dropped to 0-8 on the season, while Mount Carmel improved to 6-2.

Mount Carmel dominated the first half, scoring four touchdowns in the opening quarter. Al Bailey got things started with an 87-yard touchdown reception from Gavin Marshalek less than a minute and a half into the game. Mount Carmel added scores on a 1-yard run by Luke Blessing, a 64-yard punt return by Jon Morgante, and a 26-yard touchdown pass from Marshalek to Chase Balichik to close out the first quarter with a commanding 28-0 lead.

The Red Tornadoes didn’t let up in the second quarter, as Andrew Lukoskie’s 18-yard run and Jaylen Delaney’s 61-yard punt return extended their lead. Matthew Balichik’s 15-yard rushing touchdown put Mount Carmel up 49-0 at halftime.

Central Mountain found some rhythm in the second half. Quarterback Isaiah Maldonado connected with Gavin Heverly on a 43-yard touchdown pass in the third quarter to get the Wildcats on the board. Later, Jake Weaver punched in an 11-yard run to add to the scoring, although a missed extra point kept the score at 49-13.

In the fourth quarter, Central Mountain closed the gap slightly with a 7-yard touchdown run by Bryce Brungard, capping the scoring at 49-20.

Despite a tough night, Central Mountain showed fight in the second half, especially with strong efforts from Gavin Heverly, who caught four passes for 60 yards and a touchdown, and Jake Weaver, who rushed 12 times for 31 yards and a touchdown.

Central Mountain’s defense had a few bright spots, including three interceptions against Mount Carmel’s backup quarterbacks, but it wasn’t enough to stop the early onslaught from the Red Tornadoes.

Central Mountain will look to regroup and prepare for their next game against Troy at home.