SLIPPERY ROCK — William Mokel knew he had to pick up his play.

Through the first three drives of Friday's game against Central Clarion, Slippery Rock's junior quarterback had completed just one of his first five passes for seven yards.

“I missed some simple throws. The start to the game was pretty bad,” Mokel said.

It took just one completion to change that.

On the Rockets' first offensive play of the second quarter, Mokel lofted the ball down the right sideline for wideout John Sabo, who hauled in the pass for a 46-yard gain.

On the very next play, the duo hooked up again for a 23-yard touchdown, the first score of the game.

“That completion got it all started,” said Mokel. “Once we got momentum, they couldn't stop us.”

Mokel finished the game with 137 passing yards and three total touchdowns (two passing, one rushing) and Slippery Rock's defense shut down Central Clarion's Wing-T offense in a 38-7 victory at Troy-Alan Stadium.

“We've struggled in the first quarter,” said Slippery Rock coach Larry Wendereusz. “In last week's scrimmage against Freeport, they kicked our tail early. Same thing tonight. I thought they (Wildcats) beat us up early on.”

But the Wildcats were unable to score, thanks to a defensive stand from the Rockets deep in their own territory.

The first three plays of the game — all runs by the Wildcats — yielded 26 yards. On a 3rd-and-1 play from Slippery Rock's 9, Ryan Hummell fumbled at the goalline and Maddox Allen recovered in the end zone for the Rockets.

“That was a huge play,” said Wendereusz.

Mokel finished off a second straight drive with a scoring pass, this one from 1-yard out to Shane Thompson with 8:22 left in the second quarter.

Shortly before the half, Nick Kingerski booted a 43-yard field goal for a 17-0 lead.

Mokel, Brett Galcik and Thompson each had a rushing touchdown in the second half. Thompson's came from 66 yards out.

Central Clarion freshman quarterback Jase Ferguson threw for 49 yards and was intercepted twice — by Sal Mineo and Allen.

“We just didn't play well and Slippery Rock has a good team,” said Wildcats' coach Dave Eggleton. “We're better off for having played them.”

The teams did not know until Friday morning that they would be playing each other.

Central Clarion was scheduled to face Punxsutawney and Slippery Rock was set to welcome Fort LeBoeuf. Both of those teams were forced to cancel due to COVID-related issues.

“We missed out on a scrimmage last weekend and I didn't want to go a second week without live action,” said Eggleton.

Slippery Rock is set to play at Mercyhurst Prep next Friday, while Central Clarion travels to Moniteau.

Central Clarion 0 0 0 7 — 7 Slippery Rock 0 17 14 7 — 38 Second Quarter SR — John Sabo 23 pass from William Mokel (Nick Kingerski kick), 11:17

SR — Shane Thompson 1 pass from Mokel (Kingerski kick), 8:22

SR — Kingerski 43 field goal, 1:40 Third Quarter SR — Mokel 6 run (Kingerski kick), 5:58 SR — Brett Galcik 9 run (Kingerski kick), 3:01 Fourth Quarter SR — Thompson 66 run (Kingerski kick), 10:21

CC — Ryan Hummell 3 run (Charlie Franchino kick), 5:57

Individual Statistics Rushing: Central Clarion, Breckin Rex 10-96, Noah Naser 12-34, Ryan Hummell 7-33, Ashton Rex 2-9, Jase Ferguson 3-(-23), Kohen Kemmer 1-12, Braylon Beckwith 1-2, Brady Quinn 2-23, Brock Smith 1-17. Slippery Rock, William Mokel 8-22, Shane Thompson 8-95, Ryan Montgomery 6-11, Brett Galcik 5-49, Eli Anderson 2-(-4), Aiden Corace 1-5. Passing: Central Clarion, Jase Ferguson 5-13-49-2, Ryan Hummell 0-1-0-0. Slippery Rock, William Mokel 8-16-137-0. Receiving: Central Clarion, Tommy Smith 2-12, Ryan Hummell 2-20, Breckin Rex 1-17. Slippery Rock, Ryan Montgomery 1-7, John Sabo 3-81, Shane Thompson 2-35, Brett Galcik 2-14.