It can be hard to translate regular season success to the playoffs, but the Central Dragons had no problem doing just that on Friday. They managed a 41-35 victory over Clearfield. Central's victory was nothing new given the team hasn't lost yet this season.
It was another big night for Hunter Smith, who rushed for 191 yards and four touchdowns while picking up 7.1 yards per carry, and also caught a touchdown. The team also got some help courtesy of Eli Muthler, who rushed for 38 yards and a touchdown.
Despite the loss, Clearfield still got an impressive performance from Brady Collins, who rushed for 191 yards and two touchdowns while picking up 10.1 yards per carry, and also picked up 60 receiving yards. Collins is on a roll when it comes to rushing yards, as he's now rushed for 100 or more in the last three games he's played. Carter Freeland was another key contributor, gaining 62 total yards and two touchdowns.
Central pushed their record up to 12-0 with that win, which was their 12th straight at home dating back to last season. Those victories were due in large part to their offensive dominance across that stretch, as they averaged 38.8 points per game. As for Clearfield, their loss dropped their record down to 8-4.
Central will square off against Hickory at 7:00 p.m. on Friday. Hickory is coming into the match hot, having won their last seven games. Clearfield does not have any more games scheduled as of now.
