Central Catholic Triumphs Over Harrisburg in Dramatic Pa. 6A Football Semifinal Clash: Live Score Recap

Central Catholic Vikings Advance to PIAA Class 6A Championship After Dominating Harrisburg

Mansion Park, PA – November 30, 2024 – The Central Catholic Vikings (12-1) are heading to the PIAA class 6A Championship after a decisive 32-14 victory over the previously undefeated Harrisburg Cougars (13-0) in Saturday’s semifinal matchup. A powerful rushing attack, led by sophomore Chrys Black, proved too much for the Cougars’ defense to handle.

Black spearheaded the Vikings’ offense, racking up an extraordinary 206 yards on the ground and scoring three touchdowns. Central Catholic established a commanding lead early, going into halftime with a 16-point advantage.

While Harrisburg mounted a comeback attempt in the fourth quarter, narrowing the gap to 11 points, the Vikings’ defense stepped up when it mattered most. Two crucial fourth-quarter turnovers,coupled with another rushing touchdown from Black,sealed the victory and propelled Central catholic into the championship game.

Key Takeaways:

* Dominant Run Game: The Vikings’ commitment to the run proved highly effective, consistently moving the chains and controlling the clock.
* Black’s Breakout Performance: Sophomore running back Chrys Black was the star of the show, delivering a game-changing performance with his explosive running.
* Clutch Defense: Despite Harrisburg’s late push, the vikings’ defense held strong, forcing key turnovers to secure the win.

Looking Ahead:

Central Catholic will face off against the La Salle College Explorers in the PIAA Class 6A Championship on December 6th. The Vikings will look to continue their momentum and claim the state title.

First Quarter Highlights:

The game began with Harrisburg receiving the opening kickoff. Early field position favored Central Catholic after a Harrisburg punt set the Vikings up at the Cougars’ 37-yard line.

What was the final score of the PIAA 6A football semifinal game between Central Catholic adn Harrisburg?

Game Summary: A Nail-Biter in the Keystone State

Central Catholic High School secured a hard-fought victory against Harrisburg High School in the Pennsylvania 6A football semifinal, culminating in a final score of 28-24.The game, played on November 29th, 2025, was a back-and-forth affair, showcasing intense defensive plays and crucial offensive drives. This win propels Central Catholic to the PIAA 6A Championship game. Fans witnessed a classic high school football contest filled with dramatic moments and standout performances. The Harrisburg Cougars put up a valiant fight, but ultimately fell short against a determined Central Catholic squad.

Key Moments & Scoring Drives

The game was characterized by several pivotal moments that swung the momentum. Here’s a breakdown of the key scoring drives:

* Q1: Harrisburg opened the scoring with a 45-yard field goal, capitalizing on an early Central Catholic penalty. (Harrisburg 3 – Central Catholic 0)

* Q1: Central Catholic responded quickly with a 7-play, 65-yard drive, capped off by a 12-yard touchdown run by running back, Jalen Stokes. (Central Catholic 7 – Harrisburg 3)

* Q2: Harrisburg regained the led with a 50-yard touchdown pass from quarterback, Malik Johnson, to wide receiver, davon Williams.(Harrisburg 10 – Central Catholic 7)

* Q2: Central Catholic answered with a methodical 8-minute drive, culminating in a 5-yard touchdown pass from quarterback, Ethan Miller, to tight end, Brandon Carter. (Central Catholic 14 – Harrisburg 10)

* Q3: Harrisburg scored a rushing touchdown,taking the lead once more. (Harrisburg 17 – Central Catholic 14)

* Q3: Central Catholic’s defense forced a fumble,recovered by linebacker,Marcus Bell,leading to a rapid 30-yard field goal. (Central Catholic 17 – Harrisburg 17)

* Q4: Ethan Miller connected with wide receiver, Isaiah jones, for a 60-yard touchdown, putting Central catholic ahead. (Central Catholic 24 – Harrisburg 17)

* Q4: Harrisburg tied the game with a late touchdown drive. (central catholic 24 – Harrisburg 24)

* Q4: With just 30 seconds remaining, Central Catholic’s kicker, Ryan Davis, nailed a 35-yard field goal to seal the victory. (Central Catholic 28 – harrisburg 24)

Standout Players & Performances

Several players delivered exceptional performances that contributed to the outcome of the game.

* Ethan Miller (Central Catholic QB): Completed 18 of 28 passes for 250 yards and 2 touchdowns. Demonstrated poise under pressure and made key throws in critical situations. A potential future college football prospect.

* Jalen Stokes (Central Catholic RB): Rushed for 85 yards and 1 touchdown. Provided a consistent ground attack and helped control the clock.

* Malik Johnson (Harrisburg QB): Threw for 200 yards and 1 touchdown. Showed accuracy and arm strength,but ultimately couldn’t lead Harrisburg to victory.

* Davon Williams (harrisburg WR): Had 7 receptions for 90 yards and 1 touchdown. Was a constant threat downfield.

* Marcus Bell (Central Catholic LB): Recorded 10 tackles and a crucial fumble recovery. A defensive leader for Central Catholic.

Defensive Battle & Key Statistics

The game was a defensive struggle, with both teams showcasing strong tackling and pass coverage.

* Total Yards: Central Catholic – 380, Harrisburg – 350

* Turnovers: central Catholic – 1 fumble lost, Harrisburg – 2 fumbles lost, 1 interception.

* Sacks: Central Catholic – 3, Harrisburg – 2

* Penalties: Central Catholic – 6 for 50 yards, Harrisburg – 8 for 65 yards. Penalties proved costly for Harrisburg, disrupting key drives.

* Time of Possession: Central Catholic – 26 minutes, Harrisburg – 22 minutes.

Road to the Championship: Central Catholic’s Playoff Journey

Central Catholic’s path to the championship game has been challenging, facing tough competition throughout the playoffs.

1. Round 1: defeated North Allegheny 35-14
2. Quarterfinals: Beat Mt. Lebanon 24-17

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