Karns City football plasters Central Clarion for District 9 title, berth in PIAA tournament

November 07, 2025 Last Updated: November 08, 2025 12:01 AM Sports

Karns City players hold up the trophy after beating Central Clarion in the District 8/9 Class 2A football subregional championship Friday, Nov. 7, 2025, at Brookville High School. Matthew Brown/Butler Eagle

Matthew Brown

BROOKVILLE — C.J. Emrick’s fumble recovery in the end zone did not simply give Karns City an early lead in Friday’s District 9 Class 2A championship game against Central Clarion. It was, in fact, a sign of things to come.

The ball-hawking Gremlins forced five turnovers against none from themselves, dethroning the three-time defending champion Wildcats 42-14 at Brookville Stadium.

It is KC’s first district crown in four years.

“We told the players before the game that if you want to be the best, you have to beat the best,” KC coach Joe Sherwin said. “There’s not many teams that win the turnover battle by five and still lose. That was big for us.”

The Gremlins (9-2) will be in action in the first round of the PIAA playoffs next weekend against the winner of Saturday’s District 10 championship game between Farrell and Mercyhurst Prep.

The Wildcats (7-5) escaped damage following their first turnover. A fumbled snap handed KC the ball at Central Clarion’s 14-yard line, but the Gremlins turned the ball over on downs inside the 10.

Another fumbled shotgun snap bounced into the end zone moments later.

“Mason Bell was the first one there, but the ball slipped through his gloves,” Emrick said. “I thought, ‘Thank you, Mason,’ and fell on it.”

Nathan Hess’ short scoring run put KC up 14-0 in the second quarter.

Karns City running back Hunter Scherer (23) carries the ball into the end zone for a touchdown in the District 8/9 Class 2A football subregional championship against Central Clarion Friday, Nov. 7, 2025, at Brookville High School. Matthew Brown/Butler Eagle

Matthew Brown

“We just made too many mistakes, especially against a team like Karns City,” Central Clarion coach Dave Eggleton said. “They are disciplined and well-coached, and are able to shorten games with their ground attack.”

These two teams met Sept. 26 at Diehl Stadium, and the Gremlins earned a 35-14 victory.

But Central Clarion’s star running back, Ethan Rex, missed that encounter with injury. He figured to play a key role in Friday’s outcome.

“He’s definitely somebody we had to account for tonight,” Sherwin said. “It takes three or four guys to bring him down, and he did have some big runs against us.”

Rex rushed for 105 yards, but they were hard-earned, coming on 24 carries.

The Wildcats got on the board with his 5-yard touchdown run late in the second quarter, but the Gremlins were aggressive when they regained possession.

With just 1:24 left before halftime, Cole Johnston connected with Keagan Schrecengost on a 40-yard bomb to Central Clarion’s 41.

Two runs totaling 32 yards from Owen Heginbotham set up Johnston’s 9-yard scoring toss to Bryce Galan, and KC’s lead was 21-7 at the break.

“We have a lot of confidence in Cole and our receivers,” Sherwin said.

Hoping to establish momentum early in the second half, disaster struck the Wildcats, who fumbled the second-half kickoff and Shane Emrick recovered for KC at the 21.

Five plays later, Riley Hamilton lost the ball after a short gain, but Hunter Scherer scooped it up and ran into the end zone.

Heginbotham, a senior who missed the regular-season finale against Wilmington two weeks ago with a concussion, returned to lead KC’s ground attack with 88 yards on just nine carries.

Karns City celebrates Shane Emrick's (50) touchdown in the District 8/9 Class 2A football subregional championship against Central Clarion Friday, Nov. 7, 2025, at Brookville High School. Matthew Brown/Butler Eagle

Matthew Brown

“I didn’t find out until Thursday that I would be able to play, passed an impact test,” he said. “Honestly, I wanted to play tonight win or lose.

“Our offense is versatile. Teams should expect the unexpected.”

C.J. Emrick halted a Central Clarion drive with an interception midway through the fourth quarter. His brother, Shane Emrick, capped the scoring with a pick-six on the Wildcats’ next drive.

The victory included solid play from KC’s offense, defense and special teams.

“If we want our season to continue, that’s how it must be,” Sherwin said. “If one unit doesn’t play the way it’s capable, we’ll be going home.”

Central Clarion 0 7 7 0 — 14

Karns City 7 14 7 14 — 42

First Quarter

KC — C.J. Emrick fumble recovery in end zone (Brock Dittman kick), 6:34

Second Quarter

KC — Nathan Hess 3 run (Dittman kick), 7:36

CC — Ethan Rex 5 run (Logan Bish kick), 1:29

KC — Bryce Galan 9 pass from Cole Johnston (Dittman kick), :35

Third Quarter

KC — Hunter Scherer 8 fumble recovery (Dittman kick), 9:04

CC — Brody Beggs 38 pass from Carter Hindman (Bish kick), 4:57

Fourth Quarter

KC — Johnston 34 run (Dittman kick), 7:56

KC — Shane Emrick 16 interception return (Dittman kick), 2:23

Individual Statistics

Rushing: Central Clarion, Carter Hindman 8-14, Jackson Mravintz 1-3, Alex Love 2-7, Ethan Rex 24-105, Billy Kahle 1-10, TEAM 1-(-4). Karns City, Hunter Scherer 16-69, Nathan Hess 5-6, Cole Johnston 7-39, Riley Hamilton 4-36, Owen Heginbotham 9-88, Tyson Frazer 1-(-3), Bryce Galan 1-7.

Passing: Central Clarion, Carter Hindman 7-15-108-2. Karns City, Cole Johnston 4-8-94-0, Hunter Scherer 0-1-0-0.

Receiving: Central Clarion, Mason Burford 1-9, Brody Beggs 2-58, Charlie Hepfl 1-16, Ethan Rex 1-0, Logan Bish 1-10, Brady Guth 1-15. Karns City, Bryce Galan 2-18, Keagan Schrecengost 1-40, Hunter Scherer 1-36.

Karns City running back Nathan Hess (9) scores a touchdown in the District 8/9 Class 2A football subregional championship against Central Clarion Friday, Nov. 7, 2025, at Brookville High School. Matthew Brown/Butler Eagle

Matthew Brown

Karns City wide receiver Riley Hamilton (12) runs the ball downfield in the District 8/9 Class 2A football subregional championship against Central Clarion Friday, Nov. 7, 2025, at Brookville High School. Matthew Brown/Butler Eagle

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Karns defensive lineman C.J. Emrick (51) recovers a Central Clarion fumble in the end zone for a touchdown District 8/9 Class 2A football subregional championship Friday, Nov. 7, 2025, at Brookville High School. Matthew Brown/Butler Eagle

Matthew Brown