ALTOONA, Pa. – For the first time since 2013, its on to the PIAA semifinals for Hickory.
Zander Telesz threw for a touchdown and ran for another, and Hickory (11-2) shut down Central-Martinsburg’s (12-1) high-flying offensive attack, 26-13 in the PIAA Class 3A quarterfinals at Mansion Park on Friday.
Central came into the game averaging over 36 points per game, while quarterback Eli Muthler was held to 82 yards passing and two interceptions after coming into the game averaging 227 passing yards per game.
The Hornets led 10-0 at halftime on the strength of a Lukas Jones 27-yard field goal at the 5:20 mark of the first quarter and a Telesz 40-yard run with 5:49 to go before halftime.
The key sequence, however, may have come at the start of the third quarter.
Central got the ball first and Hickory quickly forced them to punt. The ensuing Hornets’ drive was another quick strike, as Telesz connected with Kevlin Morrison on a 58-yard touchdown and Hickory led 17-0, a lead the proved insurmountable for the Dragons.
Central responded with a 67-yard drive capped up by a Muthler to Jack Dunn 6-yard touchdown pass. The extra point attempt was no good, and the Hornets led 17-6 with 5:36 to go in the third quarter.
Hickory answered the punch by Central with one of its own, marching 74 yards in just over three minutes, punctuated by Keenan Scullin’s 6-yard touchdown run with 2:22 to go in the third.
The two teams traded points in the fourth quarter, with Hunter Smith scoring on a 1-yard run for Central to put the finishing touches on an 85-yard drive.
With 3:46 to play Jones’ 30-yard field goal was the final tally.
Smith carried 20 times for 135 yards and a touchdown for the Dragons, while Dunn had six receptions for 64 yards.
Telesz was 5-of-8 through the air for 95 yards for Hickory, while 101 yards on 12 carries. Sean Kennedy had 10 carries for 99 yards for the Hornets, while Scullin had eight carries for 30 yards and two receptions for 29 yards.
With the win, Hickory advanced to play WPIAL champion Belle Vernon next week at a site and time to be determined. Belle Vernon beat Avonworth, 26-0 for the WPIAL crown.
(Editor’s Note: Stats courtesy of Ryan Briggs.)
