The Central York football team proved one thing to itself last weekend when the Panthers were able to come back and defeat Harrisburg after falling behind by 14 points early in the contest.

Coach Brad Livingston's squad showed it could win under duress in the District 3 Class AAAA playoffs, something that could pay bigger dividends down the road.

Certainly, the veteran coach is hopeful that is the case when his team hosts a tough Governor Mifflin (9-2) squad tonight at 7 in the district quarterfinals.

"You always benefit from that kind of situation when you survive it," Livingston said. "You find out what you have inside you to keep pecking away to turn the game around on your side."

Central did that last Saturday by forcing seven Cougar turnovers.

"I think people underestimate our defense," Livingston said. "I have been humored the past couple of days (hearing), 'Poor Harrisburg turned the ball over seven times.' It was sort of like we didn't have anything to do with it."

Maybe it is because the prolific Panther offense gets so much attention, but hard hits and forcing turnovers has been a forte all season as Central enters tonight's contest plus-20 in that department.

Still, interceptions will likely be at a minimum tonight as the Mustangs have thrown just four all season, mostly because they have attempted just 84 passes in the triple-option offense, which ran the ball 512 times for 3,023 yards.

Sophomore David Garpoli takes most

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of the snaps, but is more inclined to run as his 112 carries for 648 yards and 18 touchdowns indicate. Patrick Haggerty (125 carries, 716 yards) leads the team in rushing.

Despite the lack of passing numbers, Livingston is wary of what the Mustangs can do through the air.

"They are very quick," he said. "Their offense is a well-oiled machine. The offensive line comes off the ball and really smacks people. They run the option well, and their throwing game that compliments their option is pretty dynamic."

Expect to see plenty of running back D.J. Harrison (1,613 yards and 26 touchdowns) for Central in this one. He comes in averaging 8.45 per carry.
snavaroli@ydr.com; 771-2060

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