Reading High loses season-opening football game against Central Dauphin East

Reading High did not get off to the right start in a 55-6 season-opening loss to Central Dauphin East in a non-league game at Shirk Stadium.

The Red Knights struggled to stop the run and the pass and were outgained 389-171.

“We beat ourselves up,” Reading High coach Troy Godinet said. “We made some mental mistakes we can still grow from. We’re a young team. They’re going to get there. Just continue to build the right way.”

Reading High opened the game with the ball, but punted after picking up one first down on a 14-yard reception by Xavier Beatty from Kayson Fritz.

The Panthers then got right to work, scoring on a 7-yard touchdown reception by Jared Porter from Demaj Jollah to cap a 66-yard drive.

Reading High turned it over on its next two possessions — Alexis Alvarado fumbling the ball away on consecutive rushes — which resulted in two scores to give CD East a 21-0 lead after one quarter.

The Red Knights punted to start the second quarter and the Panthers scored two plays later on a 54-yard run by Nayquan Prather.

With 2:50 remaining in the first half, Fritz connected with Beatty over the middle for 68-yard touchdown reception.

“That’s good for him,” Godinet said on Fritz’s first touchdown. “I’m super proud of him. He’s had the opportunity to see what things can be.”

Fritz, a junior, finished 7-for-7 passing for 109 yards and one touchdown. The quarterback showed potential in his first start.

“The quarterback’s (Fritz) first time stepping under the Friday night lights and he was not fazed at all,” Godinet said. “He made some great reads, threw some great balls. I’m looking forward to him continuing to grow and continue to prosper in this offense. He’s a kid that I have a great love and respect for. He’s taking on a challenge that not a lot of people want to take on.”

Alvarado had 31 yards on 16 carries and four catches for 21 yards. Beatty had two receptions for 82 yards and one touchdown.

For Central Dauphin East, Jollah went 8-for-21 for 161 yards and four touchdowns. Porter had 105 yards on 10 carries and Prather had 132 yards and three touchdowns on nine touches.

Reading will take on the Muhlenberg in the Battle of the Border Trophy on Sept. 1.

The Red Knights won last year’s matchup 33-20, which was their first win over the Muhls since 2019.