Raiders shut out by Vikes Central Catholic uses big plays to drop Seneca Valley
JACKSON TWP — The splash plays came in all three phases for Central Catholic.
The Vikings' offensive effort included an 82-yard scoring run from Brian Totten, the defense had a 26-yard interception return from Damar Hamlin and Ronnie Jones contributed two punt returns for touchdowns from 58 and 70 yards out in a 45-0 blanking of Seneca Valley at NexTier Stadium Friday night.
“The punt returns, you just have to tip your cap to their kid for making a couple of great efforts,” said SV coach Don Holl, “but without a doubt, there were some missed assignments by our guys on the other plays.”
Central Catholic (7-0, 5-0) will face Pine-Richland next week in a battle of unbeatens.
Totten, a senior fullback, opened the scoring Friday with his long gallop on the first play of Central's second drive.
Following Hamlin's pick-6, which made the score 17-0 with just under eight minutes left in the second quarter, the Raiders began a march that included three first downs and reached Central's 31. But consecutive sacks of T.J. Holl by Viking defenders Rich Ryan and Bryan Glover totaled minus-11 yards. On 3rd-and-21, Holl floated a pass down the left sideline that was intended for Eric Mrkonja. But Central cornerback Bricen Garner came up with the ball instead.
It turned out to be Seneca's deepest penetration of the entire game.
“We do a lot of things to take care of the ball,” said Holl. “We get it into the hands of kids we trust. This may just be one of those seasons.”
“Things didn't go well for them tonight, but Seneca Valley is a talented football team,” said Vikings' coach Terry Totten. “Our kids showed up tonight and we were able to get some things early.”
SV's defense did hold Grant Foster in check. Central's senior running back, who entered the game averaging more than six yards per carry, gained just 13 yards on his first six carries. He ended the night with 54 yards on 13 attempts.
“I thought the defense battled for most of the night,” said Holl. “The trap (Totten's 82-yard touchdown run) was a bummer because we didn't close on it.”
Seneca (1-6, 1-5) struggled to establish its ground game. The Raiders had just four rushing yards and 69 total yards by halftime.
Jones scored three touchdowns in the second half. Aside from his two scores on special teams, he added a 33-yard run, which put the Vikings up 38-0 late in the third quarter.
The Raiders play a non-conference road game at Penn Hills next Friday.
