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Cumberland Valley rattles Central York in romp


MECHANICSBURG >> Connor Long was a four-way threat for Cumberland Valley on Friday night.

Officially listed as a WR/DB, the senior had an especially eventful few minutes early in the second half of Cumberland Valley's 48-6 romp against the Central York Panthers.

The Eagles methodically pounded the Panthers (1-1) the entire first half, running the ball 31 of 34 plays on their way to scoring four touchdowns in four possessions.

After Central York went three-and-out to start the second half, the Eagles were looking to put the game into mercy time. That's when Long stepped up for a memorable three-play sequence.

Cumberland Valley took over on the Panthers' 14-yard line after a bungled punt attempt. Eagles' QB Josh Ferguson faked another handoff and dropped back. He found Long wide open in the flat, and the receiver outran the defense to the pylon for a touchdown.

Then he lined up for the extra point and the 35-point lead required to keep the clock running under mercy. Long had made his first four kicks, but this attempt was blocked.

After a kickoff into the end zone for a touchback, Panthers' QB Nik Strine launched a first-down pass over his receiver's head, and Long picked off the errant throw. Weaving his way from one sideline to the other, Long scored his second touchdown in eight seconds to put Cumberland Valley up 41-0.

Long finished the game with five carries for 50 yards and two catches for 34 yards. He kicked six of seven extra points to go along with the 30-yard interception return.

The game was all Cumberland Valley (2-0) from the second play (Central York stuffed Ferguson for a 5-yard loss on the opening play).

Central York coach Brad Livingston said his team's lone punt, a 6-yard shank on its first possession, rattled the players.

"We had a horrendous punt, and that kind of set the tone for everything," he said. "They had their way with us. "

Livingston said he will look at the game film with his staff next week and "make whatever changes are necessary."

Central York0060—6Cumberland Valley1414137—48

First Quarter

CV — Joseph Heikel 4 run (Connor Long kick),

CV — Heikel 4 run (Long kick)

Second Quarter

CV — Josh Ferguson 6 run (Long kick)

CV — Heikel 6 run (Long kick)

Third Quarter

CV — Long 14 pass from Ferguson (kick failed)

CV — Long 30 interception return (Long kick)

CY — Shyheim Goff 4 run (pass failed)

Fourth Quarter

CV — Tyler Sunday 3 run (Long kick)

CYCVFirst downs1213Rushes-yards32-7938-249Passing7-15-23-4-0Passing yards5144Total yards130293Punts1-6.00-0Fumbles-lost2-10-0Penalties-yards4-353-30
Individual statistics

Rushing — CY, Nik Strine 2-(-15), Goff 14-52, Sakai Barton 1-15, Elzir Stroman 1-(-1), Noriega Goff 9-26, Carter Luckenbaugh 1-(-13), Rodney Johnson 1-3, Chris Collins 3-12. CV, Ferguson 5-14, Heikel 13-83, Long 5-50, Nicholas Rhodes 7-12, Kier Minor 3-16, Tyler Sunday 4-26, Jarrod Palmer 1-3, Jake Palmer 2-31, River Young 2-14.

Passing — CY, Strine 5-12-32-2, Cade Pribula 2-3-19-0. CV, Ferguson 3-5-44-0.

Receiving — CY, Brandon Falkenstein 4-33, N. Goff 1-(-1), Ben Ward 1-7, Joe Jones 1-12. CV, Charlie Katshir 1-10, Long 2-34.