Central Keystone Bulldogs tops HWF in thrilling fashion

By Kenny Varner Jr.
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Updated: November 6, 2023

Photos by Kathy Reed

LEWISTOWN – The Central Keystone Bulldogs (formerly the Burnham Special Needs football team) came within a minute of losing their Super Bowl for the first time in the 17-year history of the team. The team that came within moments of knocking off the Bulldogs were Honorary Wrestling Federation led by Matt and Trista Silks.

However, a long 75-yard run by Craig Sainsbury scored after falling behind 28-24 late in the contest, putting his team up for good en route to the 31-28. Dayton Hunter picked up the extra point to add an extra point to the score.

On the previous score by HWF, the extra point was blocked by Chris Alters.

Willy Reed, Gretchen Wilhelm, Drew Shank and Danielle Erickson brought some strong runs in the contest while quarterback Zach Miller went 2-for-3 in passing and led his team down the field in less than two minutes for the late heroics by the Bulldogs.

Defensively, Zach VanHorn, Thomas Risbin, Alters and Skylar Crane frustrated the HWF wrestlers constantly picking off and thrawrting many long passes.

Coach Pee Wee Duncan had his defense primed and ready to go, the defense dominated the first half, shutting out the wrestlers 12-0 in a very dominating first half of play.

Also providing clutch defensive plays were Chase Mitchell, Blake Knarr, Sainsbury, Ben Stuck and Cory “The Wolfman” Knepper. Stuck and Knepper were constantly in the backfield rushing the HWF quarterback all afternoon.

Early in the contest, the Bulldogs got strong runs from Adam Wert, Etana “Zig Zag” Shmitz and Darin Bleyer, who scored on a center sneak, giving his team the first score of the ball game. Also providing a clutch first down in the first half was Alex Mitchell. Mitchell’s running and pass helped spark his team.

Providing the veteran leadership was original member David “the Legend” Fye. Fye has been the heart and soul of the team from its first season back in 2006- present day.

Rookie Becky Landis brought new positive spirit to this year’s team and has been one of the team’s most inspirational players scoring early in the game as well.

The team also welcomed back longtime player Jeremy Boonie. Boonie also played tough on defense.

The team concluded its season finishing 14-1-1 on the year.