Photo by Tim Weight

The Central Mountain football team opened up the 2020 season with a 33-6 victory over Shikellamy on Friday, Sept.11.

Aside from being the first game played on the brand new turf at Malinak stadium, It was Central Mountain’s first season-opening win since the 2012 season when the Wildcats defeated the MIllionaires of Williamsport.

“I could not be happier for a better group of kids, they have fought through some struggles the last couple of years, and to get the first one is exciting,” Central Mountain head coach James Renninger said.

Junior quarterback Brett Gerlach completed six of eight passes for 116 yards and two touchdowns for Central Mountain.

The Wildcat rushing attack was anchored by Ryan Pentz’s big night, Pentz scampered for 108 yards on 10 carries and two touchdowns in the victory. On the outside, senior wide receiver Peyton Johnson gave Shikellamy’s secondary problems all night. Johnson had a massive second quarter as the senior hauled in two touchdown receptions. Johnson got behind the Braves safety and hauled in a 69-yard touchdown on a seam route. Central Mountain’s very next possession Johnson caught a 15-yard slant in the middle of the end zone, he finished the game with four catches for 100 yards and two touchdowns.Micah Walizer also earned 24 yards on eight carries for Central Mountain.

After taking a 20-0 lead into the half Central Mountain kept the ball on the ground and did not attempt a pass in the second half. It was 17 consecutive run attempts for the Wildcats.

Over on the defensive side of the ball, due to a fumble and a couple of stops on fourth down, the Wildcats held Shikellamy’s offense scoreless for nearly 44 minutes of game time. Braves quarterback Brayon Wertman found the end zone from one yard out on a sneak with 4:27 left in the final quarter.

Central Mountain’s next game is Friday, Sept. 18, as the Wildcats host the Seals of Selingsgrove.

You can find more information from Friday’s game, Monday in the Lock Haven Express paper.