Chapman Field is bracing for an electrifying battle as the Cumberland Valley Eagles prepare to face off against the Central Dauphin Rams in a highly anticipated football showdown on October 6, 2023. This game, steeped in tradition and intensity, marks a significant milestone as it is part of the 20th season of the prestigious Great American Rivalry Series.

The founder and CEO of the Great American Rivalry Series, Rick Ford, spoke of the significance of this matchup, saying, “The Cumberland Valley vs. Central Dauphin rivalry is a cornerstone of high school football in Pennsylvania. The passion and excitement surrounding this game exemplify the very essence of Friday night lights.”

With a crowd size of 8,000 expected to fill the stands, the atmosphere at Chapman Field will be nothing short of electric. Last season, Cumberland Valley showcased their dominance, controlling most of the game and building a commanding lead of 28 points. Although the Eagles faced a late surge from the Rams, they ultimately sealed the victory with a crucial interception and turned defense into offense with a late touchdown.

As the Cumberland Valley Eagles and the Central Dauphin Rams take the field, the rivalry between these two powerhouses will ignite. The Eagles, donning their iconic colors, are ready to soar to new heights, aiming to maintain their stronghold over the series. Meanwhile, the Rams, with their ferocious determination, are eager to rewrite the narrative and reclaim their glory.

Each meeting between these fierce rivals adds another chapter to their storied history. Both teams will leave it all on the field, battling not only for victory but also for the pride and honor that come with representing their schools.

Make sure to mark your calendars for this epic showdown between the Cumberland Valley Eagles and the Central Dauphin Rams. The 20th season of the Great American Rivalry Series has chosen this matchup for a reason – to showcase the raw passion and excitement that epitomize Friday night lights. Get ready for a football spectacle that will leave you on the edge of your seat.

We Know Friday Nights.

MVP

Grant Sheply
Cumberland Valley

SCHOLAR ATHLETES

Zachary Runkle

Cumberland Valley

Zachary is a distinguished student-athlete with a remarkable track record both on and off the football field. He exhibits exemplary leadership as a key figure in Minithon, an organization that annually raises over $300,000 for cancer charities. Beyond his charitable Activities, Zachary assumes pivotal roles in school theatrical productions and plays an integral part in various student clubs, including the Patriots club. Notably, he is an esteemed member of the National Honor Society and maintains an impressive cumulative weighted GPA of 4.1.
Evan Bushong

Central Dauphin

Evan exemplifies a truly versatile student-athlete, demonstrating exceptional commitment and performance in our rigorous offseason program. His impressive record boasts 81 accumulated hours of dedicated community service, underscoring his strong sense of civic responsibility. He maintains a commendable 3.9 cumulative GPA, reflecting his unwavering dedication to academic excellence. Evan also boasts many accomplishments on the field. Starting his first game for his school varsity team his sophomore year, Evan has verbally committed to James Madison’s football program on a full scholarship this coming fall season.

GAME SUMMARY

It was a beautiful night for football on this fine Friday evening. You could feel the electricity in the air as the Cumberland Valley Eagles took on the Central Dauphin Rams on their homecoming night. We had a defensive masterpiece put on by both teams as Cumberland Valley gets it started with a touchdown early in the first making it 7-0. But a crucial pick-6 by #4 Mason Wydra for Central Dauphin ties it back up at 7-7 as the first half ended. Cumberland Valley continued to play good defense as #8 Nolan Buzalka gets a big stop on fourth and short as he almost picked off the throw by Central Dauphin to turn over the ball making it 7-7 still at the end of the third. It would be Central Dauphin that breaks the ice and takes the lead, But the Eagles don’t go down without a fight as they run it up the middle to make it a 13-14 game and with 28 seconds left in the game Cumberland Valley puts together a strong drive to score again making it a 19-14 final ball game and a night to remember for Eagle fans and players.