Yough’s stars shine in opening win

By jose Negron

jnegron@yourmvi.com

Yough successfully defended Cougar Mountain Friday night thanks to the right arm of Tristan Waldier, the legs of Gamal Marballie and the hands of CJ Waldier. 

The Cougars’ three-headed monster led the way in a convincing 29-6 nonconference victory over Class 2A Chartiers-Houston in the season opener on the Cougars’ home turf. 

Tristan Waldier tossed for three touchdowns, including a pair to his older brother, CJ, while Marballie was seemingly untouchable out of the Cougars’ backfield, racking up 256 yards and a touchdown on 27 carries. 

“The boys stayed with the gameplan and they never quit,” said first-year Yough coach Chris Chunko, who earned his first head coaching victory with the triumph. “They did a really great job tonight.”

The play of Yough’s offensive line was key as well. 

Sam Dippolito, Glenn Christner, Austin Caudill, Connor Thornton, Tanner Jarmon and Dustin Fitzgibbons were lauded for their performance up front. Fitzgibbons took over on the line after Jarmon went down with an injury in the first half. 

“Tristan, CJ and Gamal did great tonight, but those three gave credit after this one to that O-line,” Chunko said. “They controlled the line of scrimmage, they opened up huge holes and they gave Tristan great protection.” 

Yough (1-0) took a 14-0 lead into halftime after scoring a touchdown in each of the first two quarters. 

Tristan Waldier, who played in his first game since Week 0 last year when he suffered a season-ending knee injury, connected on a 19-yard touchdown pass to JJ Waller in the opening frame. In the second, he found his brother for a 28-yard score. 

CJ Waldier, the reigning WPIAL receptions leader, added a 13-yard TD reception in the third quarter. He finished with five catches for 59 yards. 

Tristan Waldier completed 6 of 13 passes for 78 yards. The junior also added 33 rushing yards. 

“He has a good grasp of the offense,” Chunko said of his young QB. “He can roll out of the pocket and he can make the plays last longer so guys can get open. He has great command under center.” 

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