Great performers crave opening night and the big stage. And when it comes to Lebanon County scholastic football, there is no bigger stage than the Cedar Bowl.

One could certainly say that Gage Ocker’s performance on opening night matched the magnitude of the venue.

Ocker, a senior quarterback, paced the Cedar Crest football team to a 40-24 triumph over Lebanon High, during Friday night’s 42nd renewal of the locale’s most heated rivalry, on Ed and Jeannie Arnold Field at Earl Boltz Stadium. Running the Falcons’ read-option offense to perfection, Ocker toted the pigskin 14 times for 166 yards and four rushing touchdowns.

And like any greater performer, Ocker’s timing was impeccable. All four of Ocker’s touchdown runs came after the Cedars had established an 18-13 lead early in the third quarter.

The highlight for Ocker, who split time with quarterback Josh Bucher mainly in the second quarter, came on a 68-yard scoring gallop three minutes into the final quarter, one which gave Cedar Crest a 33-18 lead. What should be interesting to follow as the 2013 campaign unfolds is Ocker’s an Bucher’s roles in the QB  time-share.

– Jeff Falk