Mt. Pleasant blows out Laurel Highlands for nonconference win

By: Paul S. Brittain
Friday, September 19, 2025 | 11:53 PM

Looking for momentum moving into its Interstate Conference schedule, the Mt. Pleasant football team dominated in a 49-0 nonconference win at Laurel Highlands on Friday.

Mt. Pleasant (3-2) started quickly for the first time in five games, scoring twice in the first four minutes.

The Vikings immediately capitalized when Gage Valone intercepted a pass by Gabe Centofanti on the game’s first play at the LH 43.

On third down, Steve Predajna galloped 37 yards to the end zone and Tyke Snyder’s kick made it 7-0.

After the Vikings held Laurel Highlands (2-3) on downs, Brady Brooks returned the ensuing punt 65 yards to the end zone and Snyder’s kick made it 14-0 just three minutes into the game.

Both defenses stiffened until early in the second quarter when the Vikings began a 66-yard drive in seven plays. Predajna gained 37 yards on the drive, including a 29-yard scoring run, and Snyder’s kick made it 21-0.

Predajna struck again on the next series, breaking several Mustang tackles up the middle and going 47 yards to score for a 28-0 lead.

The Vikings scored late on a 64-yard drive in seven plays, with Dane Firmstone’s 26-yard pass to Nick Morell keeping the drive alive in the final minute.

Firmstone completed the drive with a 3-yard touchdown pass to Rage Suchar with 10 seconds left in the half. Snyder’s kick made it 35-0.

Predajna gained 88 rushing yards out of the Vikings’ 232 first-half total yardage.

Mt. Pleasant was solid on defense as well, holding the Mustangs to 22 total yards on offense in the first 24 minutes.

With the mercy rule taking effect in the second half, Mt. Pleasant drove 85 yards in 20 plays to begin the third quarter. Kaden Hudec went the final yard for a 42-0 lead after Snyder’s kick.

Cole Hart’s 10-yard touchdown run capped a six-play, 24-yard drive after a Mustang fumble to set the final score at 49-0.

The Vikings held a 376-55 advantage in offensive yardage on the night.

“It’s much easier when you can start like this,” Mt. Pleasant coach Jason Fazekas said. “The interception gave us a short field (after the first play). We’re dealing with quite a few injuries that are still affecting us. But the positives are it’s helping develop depth with our backups. We’re giving great effort and continuing to grow.”

Fazekas said he will catch up on Yough watching film over the weekend in preparation for Friday’s home conference opener.

Laurel Highlands is also suffering through injuries to several starters and backups.

“We’ve had six or eight starters out with injuries and a couple suspensions,” Laurel Highlands coach Aaron Raffle said. “We have a freshman quarterback who is learning to get his feet under him and get the feel of Friday nights.”

Raffle said he hopes getting two starters back next week will help inspire the team for the conference opener at home against Chartiers Valley.

Tags: Laurel Highlands, Mt. Pleasant