Central Catholic follows winning formula, ousts State College in state quarterfinals

By: Triblive
Friday, November 22, 2024 | 10:15 PM

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Central Catholic has found a formula for sure-fire playoff success the last two weeks.

Hit Bradley Gompers for a long touchdown early and spend the rest of the night feeding Elijah Faulkner to dominate on the ground.

In the PIAA Class 6A quarterfinals Friday night in Altoona, Jy’Aire Walls hit Gompers for a 40-yard touchdown on the first drive of the game, Faulkner ran 38 times for 235 yards and four touchdowns, and the Vikings took care of State College, 41-19.

Central Catholic will face the winner of Saturday’s District 3 championship game between Harrisburg and Wilson West Lawn in the state semifinals next weekend.

In the WPIAL championship game last Saturday, Central Catholic used an early 45-yard touchdown pass to Gompers and 189 yards from Faulkner to beat North Allegheny, 45-14.

Against State College, Gompers scored less than two minutes into the game and Faulkner followed with two 1-yard scoring runs, the first set up by a Roman Thompson blocked punt, to take a 21-0 lead.

State College responded as quarterback Eddie Corkery threw touchdown passes of 45 yards to Cooper Bushwood and 28 yards to Hank Lustig to make it 21-13.

Central Catholic answered with another touchdown drive, capped by a third 1-yard run by Faulkner, to make the score 28-13 at the half.

In the second half, Faulkner scored his fourth touchdown on a 33-yard run and kicker Billy Lech hit field goals from 30 and 35 yards. Corkery threw his third touchdown pass, a 7-yarder to Ty Salazer.

Tags: Central Catholic