For each of the past two seasons the Bisons have had to take on a state-ranked opponent and things are no different this year as Clearfield travels to Central to take on the undefeated Dragons. Clearfield however has fared well against state ranked opponents in recent years. During the 2007 campaign the Bisons took on two squads who were at one point ranked in the top 10 by The PA Football News, Penns Valley and Indian Valley. The Bisons went 2-0 in their games against ranked opponents that season. In 2008 the Bisons once again took on two ranked opponents, knocking off the number three team in class AA the Tyrone Golden Eagles in a game said by many to be the biggest win in school history. In 2008 Clearfield also took on the number two team in class AAA Erie Strong Vincent. The Bisons gave Strong Vincent a run for their money with the score being knotted 14-14 at half but ultimately fell short. With a 3-1 record over state-ranked opponents in the last two seasons the Bisons are not intimidated by the talented Dragons.
Central is lead by “do it all” junior quarterback Lucas Runk. Runk was the feature running back during the last two years for the Dragons amassing over 1000 yards on the ground each season. On the year the talented junior has accumulated over 900 yards passing and eight touchdowns and another 500+ yards on the ground and nine scores. Runk’s favorite targets are senior quarterback turned receiver Jordan Saylor (400 yards, 5 tds) and senior Josten Hardy ( 300 yards, 3 tds).
Central has proven to have one of the best defenses in the MAC conference yielding only 53 points on the season and never giving up more than 14 points in a single contest. On the year Central has recorded 23 sacks, 10 interceptions, and five fumble recoveries.
The Bisons will turn once again to the arm of sophomore quarterback Curtis Frye. Frye has passed for nearly 1300 yards on the season and 10 touchdowns. Last week Frye also proved he can be a threat with his legs by rushing for four touchdowns. Frye’s favorite target remains senior wideout Trey Campman who after last week’s game has topped the 700 yard plateau and is currently 5th in the state with that total.
Kickoff is scheduled for 7 PM.