Cedar Crest

Football: Cedar Crest Finds Rhythm in Win Against Reading

by
Dan Rau
September 28, 2025

Photos by Rachelle Isgriggs

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Cedar Crest Finds Rhythm in Win Against Reading

Coming off a tough Week 5 loss to Wilson, the Cedar Crest Falcons hit the road Friday night to face Reading, eager to put the lessons of their first five games to work. Entering at 2-3, the Falcons were matched up against a Red Knights squad still searching for its first win of the season.

It didn’t take long for Cedar Crest to seize control. Less than a minute into the game, sophomore quarterback Steven Reyes, making just his third career start, broke loose for a dazzling 67-yard touchdown run. Reyes, who finished the night with 38 rushing yards on 5 carries, quickly added to the highlight reel by connecting with Kai Speaks on a 34-yard scoring strike. Speaks had 2 receptions for 45 yards, with the touchdown giving Cedar Crest an early 14-0 advantage.

The big plays kept coming. With four minutes left in the opening quarter, Isaiah Zimmerman burst through for a 57-yard touchdown run. Zimmerman carried 12 times for 143 yards and 2 touchdowns, pacing the ground game all night. Moments later, the defense joined the scoring when Damyen Derr pounced on a Reading fumble in the end zone, putting the Falcons up 28-0 after one quarter. Derr’s effort was part of a disruptive night that included 3 tackles for loss, a QB hurry, and the defensive score.

Early in the second quarter, Zimmerman struck again, notching his second touchdown run. Reyes then turned back to the air, hitting Antonio Tirado on a 46-yard strike just before halftime. Tirado’s lone reception capped an explosive first half, sending the Falcons into the break ahead 42-0. Reyes was nearly perfect throwing the football, completing 8 of 9 passes for 162 yards and 2 touchdowns.

With the outcome no longer in doubt, Cedar Crest eased off the gas in the second half but continued to control the game. The defense, led by Jackson Chernich’s 9 tackles and 4 tackles for loss, kept Reading in check until the final play of the game, when the Red Knights broke through for their lone score to avoid the shutout. Garrett Starry (7 tackles, 3 TFL) and Mason Copenhaver (6 tackles, 2 TFL) were also standouts in the front seven, while Jackson Smith added an interception in the secondary.

When the dust settled, the Falcons had earned a commanding 42-6 victory. Reyes accounted for three touchdowns—two through the air and one on the ground—while Zimmerman delivered a pair of long scoring runs to lead the offensive charge. Cedar Crest also showed its balance, with contributions from receivers Liam Setcavage (2 catches, 29 yards) and Cameron Tirado (11 yards), plus solid rushing support from Eli Beard (29 yards).

With the win, Cedar Crest evens its record at 3-3. The Falcons will now brace for one of their biggest challenges of the season as they travel to face powerhouse Manheim Township next Friday night.