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Knoch football’s ‘dynamic’ Codi Mullen carves up Hampton for nearly 500 total yards in win

JEFFERSON TWP — Knoch senior Codi Mullen rarely took a break from the football field Friday night.

But he broke Hampton.

The Knights’ quarterback threw for 245 yards and three touchdowns. He ran for 240 yards and a score. He also intercepted two passes in Knoch’s 38-14 homecoming victory over Hampton.

Mullen also served as Knoch’s punter, punt returner and holder on kicks from placement. He even stayed on the field at halftime as he was part of the school’s homecoming court.

“(Teammate) Wyatt Foster beat him out for homecoming king,” Knoch coach Tim Burchett said, smiling. “That’s the only thing Codi didn’t get tonight. I’m sure Wyatt won’t let him forget it.

“This is the biggest win we’ve had since I’ve been here. I’m emotional about it because of what this team has been through. We’ve dealt with injuries all year. Our offensive line has been banged up and we didn’t have (leading receiver) Kaden Spencer tonight. But as a team, everybody stepped it up.”

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Knoch's Codi Mullen (5) runs for a touchdown against Hampton in the third quarter during a football game Friday at Knoch High School. Ralph LoVuolo/Special to the Eagle

Knoch is 3-4 overall, 2-1in Greater Allegheny Conference play, and is still alive for the WPIAL playoffs. Hampton slipped to 3-5, 1-2.

“When we saw No. 4 (Spencer) wasn’t going to play, we knew we couldn’t let No. 5 (Mullen) beat us,” Talbots coach Steve Sciullo said. “Then No. 5 beat us. That kid played a fantastic game.”

Mullen threw touchown passes of 46 yards to Ethan Rouleau, 66 yards to Vincent DeFelice and 37 yards to Keaton Oprosky in the first half. Kannon Trofimuk added a 25-yard field goal on the final play of the second quarter as the Knights took a 24-0 lead into halftime.

Hampton scored a pair of touchdowns in the third quarter to pull within 10 points, but any thoughts of a comeback were quickly quelled. Mullen’s 23-yard touchdown run capped a quick 70-yard drive late in the third period and Sam Skurka’s 17-yard run ended a 59-yard Knoch scoring march early in the fourth.

“None of this happens without our offensive line,” Mullen said. “Those guys were great tonight. I love all of those guys. I have a great relationship with all of them. When something goes wrong, we just get back up and get ready for the next play.”

The Knights’ quarterback the past two seasons, Mullen began this year as a slot-back with Colt Sprankle going behind center. When Sprankle got injured a few weeks ago, Mullen returned to quarterback.

“Coach Burchett is our offensive coordinator. Wherever he wants me to play, I play,” Mullen said. “I had no problem with moving. I’m more of a defensive guy, anyway.

“But I have to admit, it feels good being back there (at quarterback) again. I’ve missed it.”

Burchett never forgot what Mullen is capable of behind center.

“He does this type of stuff all the time,” he said. “It’s just who he is. Codi is a dynamic player.”

Knoch's Vincent DeFelice (18) catches a pass and runs in for touchdown against Hampton during a football game Friday at Knoch High School. Knoch won 38-14. Ralph LoVuolo/Special to the Eagle
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Knoch’s defense stopped Hampton with no points on three trips into the red zone Friday night.

Oprosky broke up a fourth-down pass in the end zone after the Talbots drove inside the 5-yard line. Mullen intercepted a pass at the Knoch 6-yard line. Wyatt Fraser broke up a fourth-down pass in the end zone in the fourth quarter after the Talbots had first-and-goal from the 1-yard line.

“Obviously, you want to punch the ball in when you get that close,” Sciullo said. ”But Knoch was more physical than us. They were the more physical team all night. Hats off to them on a great win.“

Knoch generated 23 first downs and 553 yards of offense. DeFelice had five catches for 141 yards.

Hampton quarterback Porter Kelly threw for 174 yards and running back Evan McAneny rushed for 115 yards and a touchdown.

Hampton 0 0 14 0 — 14

Knoch 14 10 7 7 — 38

First quarter

K — Ethan Rouleau 46 pass from Codi Mullen (Kannon Trofimuk kick), 9:27

K — Vincent DeFelice 66 pass from Mullen (Trofimuk kick), 1:14

Second quarter

K — Keaton Oprosky 37 pass from Mullen (Trofimuk kick), 6:29

K — Trofimuk 25 field goal, :00

Third quarter

H — Evan McAneny 57 run (Ryan Skully pass from Porter Kelly), 9:10

H — Scully 13 pass from Kelly (pass failed), 4:07

K — Mullen 23 run (Trofimuk kick), 3:19

Fourth quarter

K — Sam Skurka 17 run (Trofimuk kick), 11:17

Individual Statistics

Passing: Hampton, Porter Kelly 12-31-174-2. Knoch, Codi Mullen 11-19-245-0.

Rushing: Hampton, Evan McAneny 18-115, Willy Haselrig 2-43, Porter Kelly 4-7. Knoch, Codi Mullen 24-240, Sam Skurka 15-65, Ethan Rouleau 1-3.

Receiving: Hampton, Ryan Skully 4-45, Jack Halli 1-13, Willy Haselrig 6-106, Josh Carr 1-10. Knoch, Wyatt Fraser 1-(-8), Ethan Rouleau 2-61, Keaton Oprosky 3-51, Vincent DeFelice 5-141.

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