Cedar Crest

Football: Cedar Crest Rallies to Defeat Lower Dauphin in Battle of the Falcons

by
Dan Rau
August 26, 2025

Photos by Rachelle Isgriggs

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On Friday evening at Hersheypark Stadium, the “Battle of the Falcons” lived up to the billing as Cedar Crest and Lower Dauphin opened their seasons in front of an energized crowd. A year ago, Cedar Crest used a dominant 45-16 victory in this same matchup to spark a memorable run that ended with the program’s first District 3 playoff win since 1997. Lower Dauphin also reached the postseason in 2024, competing in the rugged Mid Penn Keystone. Both teams entered this year’s meeting looking for an early-season statement.

The first big play came late in the opening quarter when Luke Oriel electrified the Crest sideline with an 85-yard punt return for a touchdown. The extra point was blocked, but Cedar Crest held a 6-0 lead at the break of the first.

Lower Dauphin punched back midway through the second quarter, breaking through with a rushing touchdown to go up 7-6. Crest countered just before halftime as quarterback Kai Speaks, who completed 6 of 13 passes for 70 yards, connected with Garrett Starry on an 8-yard touchdown strike. However, Lower Dauphin answered immediately with another rushing score, giving the home team a 14-13 edge at the intermission.

The momentum stayed with Lower Dauphin early in the second half. An interception on Crest’s opening possession—Speaks’ lone pick of the night—set up a short touchdown run, stretching the lead to 21-13. The hosts missed a field goal later in the third, but Cedar Crest’s offense struggled to move the chains consistently and did not register a first down in the third quarter.

That changed early in the fourth quarter. Senior running back Isaiah Zimmerman, who torched Lower Dauphin for 217 yards in last year’s matchup and racked up 122 yards on 19 carries in this game, finally broke loose with a 39-yard touchdown run. The two-point conversion failed, leaving Crest trailing 21-19.

Moments later, the tide turned for good. Conner McCracken, who led the defense with 10 assists, 3 tackles for loss, and a crucial fumble recovery, pounced on a Lower Dauphin fumble, and Zimmerman capitalized two plays later with a 13-yard touchdown run to put Cedar Crest ahead 25-21.

Cedar Crest’s defense was relentless throughout the game, holding firm when it mattered most. Landyn Kline anchored the unit with 2 tackles, 12 assists, and 5 tackles for loss, while Eli Beard contributed 2 tackles and 11 assists. Starry added a tackle, 7 assists, a tackle for loss, and an interception, showcasing his versatility. The defensive unit’s ability to swarm the ball and disrupt Lower Dauphin’s offense, especially on the final drive, was pivotal in sealing the victory.

Lower Dauphin mounted one final drive in the closing minutes, but Cedar Crest’s defense stood tall, denying any late heroics and sealing a gritty road win.

With the victory, Cedar Crest (1-0) opened the season much the same way it did a year ago—on the back of Zimmerman’s playmaking and a resilient defense. Looking ahead to Week 2, the Falcons will look to build momentum when they travel to face Spring Grove on Friday night.

Cedar Crest Stats

Passing: Kai Speaks – 6/13, 70 yds, 1 TD, 1 INT; Steven Reyes – 1/3, 12 yds

Rushing: Isaiah Zimmerman – 19 carries, 122 yds, 2 TD; Kai Speaks – 14 carries, 28 yds; Cam Tirado – 1 carry, 14 yds

Receiving: Cam Tirado – 4 receptions, 42 yds; Garrett Starry – 2 receptions, 23 yds, 1 TD

Special Teams: Luke Oriel – 85-yd punt return TD

Defensive Leaders: Landyn Kline – 2 tackles, 12 assists, 5 TFL; Eli Beard – 2 tackles, 11 assists; Connor McCracken – 10 assists, 3 TFL, 1 FR; Garrett Starry – 1 tackle, 7 assists, 1 TFL, 1 INT; Kasen Dudek – 7 assists; Skyler Sherman – 6 assists; Caden Wolfe – 6 assists; Jackson Chernich – 1 tackle, 4 assists; Peyton Witmer – 3 assists, 1 TFL; Antonio Tirado – 3 assists; Yadi Rosario – 2 assists; Luke Oriel – 2 assists; Mason Copenhaver – 2 assists; Jimmy Trump – 2 assists; Damarius Galarza – 2 assists, 1 TFL; Cameron Tirado – 1 tackle; Jamil Gordon – 1 tackle; Diego Yanez – 1 assist; Christian Simpson – 1 assist; Damyen Derr – 1 assist; Jayden Storm – 1 assists