C-K Shows Character In Loss to Tussey Mt.

The high school football season opener against Tussey Mountain Aug. 23 did not go as planned for Claysburg-Kimmel, but the Bulldog coaching staff discussed character following their 48-6 defeat.

“Reflecting on last week’s game, we really learned a lot about the character in our program,” C-K coach Matthew Bilchak said. “While the score didn’t reflect it, I liked the way our kids battled throughout the game. I never saw a moment where guys were giving up or blaming each other.”

C-K found itself down 34-0 before scoring in the third quarter. Corey Chamberlain tossed a 20-yard scoring pass to Kobe Harr.

Harr finished with three receptions for 44 yards. Chamberlain completed 4-of-20 passes for 41 yards.

Tussey Mountain’s Tyler Rhodes scored three touchdowns – a 22-yard interception return, a 46-yard pass from Matthew Leonard and a 1-yard run. Rhodes finished with 84 yards rushing on nine carries and 53 receiving yards on three receptions.

Kaden Lucko, who led Tussey Mountain with 94 rushing yards, scored touchdowns on runs of 1 and12.

Zach Claycomb paced the Bulldogs with 43 rushing yards on five carries.

C-K will look for its first win of the season Friday, Aug. 30, as it travels to Williamsburg (0-1). Kickoff at Veterans Memorial Field will be 7 p.m.

“Mistakes were made (Friday), but the good thing is we have another week to prepare for Williamsburg,” Bilchak said. They have some good athletes and a new coach. They have the ability to make some big plays in the open field. We really need to focus and have a good week of preparation so that the mistakes made in last week’s game do not repeat this week.