By Rick Weaver

For the Mirror

KITTANNING — It was fun while it lasted.

Arguably the greatest football season in Cambria Heights history came to a resounding end on Saturday night as the District 6 champion Highlanders suffered a 49-6 loss to Central Clarion in a PIAA Class 2A quarterfinal playoff game at Armstrong Stadium.

The Highlanders won their first 13 games this season entering Saturday’s game.

“I’m proud of our team. We ran into a buzz-saw tonight. They’re really good,” Cambria Heights coach Jarrod Lewis said.

Jace Ferguson, Central Clarion’s versatile quarterback, figured in all seven touchdowns. He threw two touchdowns and ran for three more in the first half.

“Jace is an amazing player. He’s the best player I’ve ever played against,” Cambria Heights quarterback Isaac Weiland said.

“Whoever gets him next year after I am done with him, they’re getting an awfully great football player. I hope to have him for two more games,” Central Clarion coach Dave Eggleton said.

Play of the game: Ferguson connected with Kohen Kemmer for a 39-yard touchdown pass on the game’s third play of the night. Kemmer caught five passes for 109 yards in the first half.

Player of the game: Ferguson threw for 223 yards and ran for 145 yards. He threw for three touchdowns and ran for four scores. The multi-talented senior also intercepted two passes.

“We saw them on film. We knew the quarterback was good. The line is huge, and they picked up every blitz that we threw at him,” Lewis said.

“He’s a difference maker. He’s different than anyone else on that field. I don’t know when was the last game I coached in where could say he wasn’t the best player on the field,” Eggleton said.

“He’s the best QB I’ve seen play. He’s an athlete. I give him credit. He’s a really good ballplayer,” Cambria Heights running back/defensive back Trey Trybus said.

Unsung heroes: Kemmer caught Ferguson’s first three passes for 60 yards and a touchdown. Teammate Noah Harrison rushed for 69 yards as the game entered the mercy rule stage and coach Eggleton decided to go easy on using Ferguson.

Most vital statistics: Central Clarion totaled 501 yards, forced four turnovers and did not punt. Cambria Heights managed but 166 yards. “They have skill everywhere, and they did a good job,” Lewis said.

Rushing, which has been the Highlanders’ calling card throughout the season, was held in check by the Wildcats. No one from the Highlanders rushed for more than 40 yards. Cambria Heights rushed for only 70 yards.

“We knew coming in they were a run-first team. We wanted to win the early downs, and put them in a third-and-long. That was an advantage for us. Most of the time we were able to do that,” Eggleton said.

“They’re pretty big up front. We had to beat them up front. And we couldn’t do that tonight,” Weiland said.

Eggleton on reaching the West Region final: “We had that goal all year, from the time we were in team camp in the summer in July. Our mission has been all-in for the state title this year.

Coach Lewis: “You’re trying to have these guys leave it better than they found it. And they definitely did that. The senior class will leave with two district titles and two conference championships. (That’s) not too shabby. We’ll have to pick it up from here. (We’re) losing 11 great seniors, and I tip my cap off to them and their families. They’re first-class all the way.”

Weiland: “We played our hearts out tonight. We had a great season. I’m proud of everyone; my O-line, the defense, all my ‘skill’ players, the coaches. I want to thank everyone for a great season.”

Running back Stephen Nelen on the Highlanders’ success of the last two seasons: “It shows in our hard work. We came in every day, in the summer, in the off-season. We really grew as a family. I think that helped us out a lot.”

Trybus: “I’m proud of us. I’m proud of the way we fought, how we were doubted, and came back and proved everybody wrong. I’m proud of our players and our team.”

Notable: Trybus caught a 49-yard pass from Weiland in the second quarter for the Highlanders’ only score of the night. … Weiland completed 7 of 12 passes for 96 yards but was intercepted three times. … Nelen led the Highlanders with 35 yards on 10 rushing attempts. … Trybus caught four passes for 69 yards. … Central Clarion is a cooperative program that combines players from Clarion Area, Clarion-Limestone and North Clarion high schools. … South Park defeated Seton LaSalle, 21-14, in the WPIAL championship game earlier in the day at Acrisure Stadium. South Park seized the early lead and maintained control by converting 4 of 4 fourth-down conversion opportunities.

Records: Cambria Heights (13-1), Central Clarion (13-0).

Next week: Central Clarion plays South Park in the West Region final on Friday at Farrell High School.

SCORE BY QUARTERS

Central Clarion 21 14 14 0 — 49

Cambria Heights 0 6 0 0 — 6

First quarter

CC–K.Kemmer 39 pass from Ferguson (run failed), 11:01.

CC–E.Rex 12 pass from Ferguson (Ferguson run), 6:02,

CC–Ferguson 20 run (Bettwy kick), 1:19.

Second quarter

CH–Trybus 49 pass from Weiland (kick blocked), 11:52.

CC–Ferguson 1 run (Bettwy kick), 10:03.

CC–Ferguson 9 run (Bettwy kick), 3:09.

Third quarter

CC–Rex 16 pass from Ferguson (Bettwy kick), 6:52.

CC–Ferguson 38 run (Bettwy kick), 1:41.

TEAM STATISTICS

CC CH

First downs 23 9

Total yards 501 166

Rushes-yards 36-284 28-70

Yards passing 217 96

Passes-Comp.Int. 19-15-1 12-7-2

Punts-avg. 0-0.0 1-41.0

Fumbles-lost 0-0 4-1

Penalties-yards 4-40 3-32

INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS

Rushing–Central Clarion: Ferguson 17-156, Harrison 10-69, Rex 8-59. Cambria Heights: Nelen 10-35, Trybus 10-29, Mulraney 4-19, Team 1-0, Eckenrode 2-(-3), Weiland 1-(-10).

Passing–Central Clarion: Ferguson 15-19-1-217. Cambria Heights: Weiland 7-12-3-96.

Receiving–Central Clarion: Rex 7-116, K.Kemmer 4-65, Burford 4-36. Cambria Heights: Trybus 4-69, Eckenrde 2-25, Jasper 1-2.