With the Golden Eagles coming off a big win against Johnstown they will return to Gray Veterans Memorial Field Friday against the rival Central Dragons.
Central and Tyrone have a long history, dating back to the beginning of the Franco era in 1994. Tyrone lost only twice to the Dragons from 1994 to 2011. However, the Dragons have controlled the Eagles for the past ten seasons with a record of 8-2 while winning four straight.
They are also coming off their fourth straight District 6 title, including one in 2020 where they beat the Golden Eagles 17-14 as they kicked a game-winning field goal.
Right beside Bellwood, Central is one of Tyrone’s biggest rivals in the area as fans pack the stands every year for this classic high school football matchup. This year should be no different.
“Tyrone and Central is one of the best rivalries in Blair County and District 6. Both schools and communities have a rabid fan base and the players demonstrate that by how hard they compete against each other,” Tyrone Head Coach John Franco said. “Both teams and communities have a solid respect for each other, which makes the game that much better. It is always a lot of fun to compete against Central no matter what the sport, but especially in football.”
The Dragons are coached by first-year head coach Jerry Albright, replacing longtime head coach Dave Baker who retired in the offseason.
Albright a 1991 graduate of Central has 28 total years of coaching experience. He coached Central’s offensive and defensive line for the past several seasons.
The Golden Eagles are hoping that this will be the year the Dragon’s recent spell over Tyrone can be broken. Following last season the Dragons lost 20 seniors in a very large graduating class. In that class they lost many of their offensive weapons and their entire starting five offensive linemen.
However, Central is coming off a 20-13 win against Somerset. They are led by senior quarterback Eli Muthler who has completed 19 out of 45 passes for 224 yards for two touchdowns along with two interceptions.
On the receiving end of the majority of Muthler’s passes is senior Jay Hoenstine who has hauled in 12 receptions for 155 yards and two touchdowns against Somerset.
In the backfield rushing the ball is senior Braydon Beach who has 13 carries for 100 yards and one touchdown. Muther also has 13 carries but only for 21 yards.
With the loss of Owen Oakes last week due to a dislocated ankle, Golden Eagle fans will see junior Marshall Martin fill in at linebacker and junior Kaden Ansman step up at left tackle protecting quarterback Ashton Walk’s blindside.
Kickoff is at 7pm and the game will be broadcast live on the Tyrone Eagle Eye YouTube Channel.
