Contributing writer
Strength, courage, and mental toughness are what every coach wants his team to have at the start of any game. The Cougars had these traits when they traveled to Wakefield Friday for a league matchup.
After a six-point loss to Hope in four overtimes, Centre had to have focus and mental grit to come out and be ready to play.
After setting the tone on the first drive, the Cougars struck first with Rustyn Kerbs running a 23-yard carry with the help of Tanner Brunner, who executed the drive with a 4-yard run for a touchdown.
For the Bombers, their first three possessions were shut down by excellent coverage from the Cougar defense, which held them to one first down in the first quarter.
As the defense dominated, the offense heated up with a Brunner pass to Zach Antoszyk for a 20-yard touchdown pass. Kerbs, Alex Hajek, and Trevor Troutt all carried the ball for a stellar drive to end the first quarter with the Cougars leading 20-0.
The Bombers managed a first down starting the second quarter but failed to score, going four and out. Nothing seemed to faze the Cougars as it took two plays to score on a pass from Brunner to Kerbs, who caught the ball over his shoulder and ran 37 yards for a touchdown.
At halftime, Centre led, 32-0. Wakefield scored twice in the third quarter, but nothing could stop Centre’s passing game, as Kerbs received another Brunner pass for a 72-yard touchdown.
The fourth quarter was all about defensive scoring from the Cougars. Cole Svoboda intercepted a Bomber pass, which led to a 19-yard pass from Brunner to Antoszyk for a touchdown.
In Wakefield’s next possession, Centre blitzed the Wakefield quarterback for a safety. The Bombers kicked off and Hajek returned the ball 52 yards. Backup quarterback Justin Deines handed the ball off to Hajek for a 7-yard carry that led to another Cougar touchdown that ended the game, 58-22.
“We came out strong and physical as I wanted to do, but we still need to hold on to the football,” said Coach Kelly Steiner.
Centre fumbled six times but recovered all of them. The team compiled 264 rushing yards and 159 passing yards. Wakefield ran the ball 38 times for 155 yards and completed 4-of-10 passes for 109 yards, with one interception.
Individual statistics
Rushing: Tanner Brunner, 17c-145; Trevour Troutt, 8c-32; Rustyn Kerbs, 11c-64; Alex Hajek, 3c-19; Kordell Harding, 3c-4; Justin Deines, 1c-0; Mikael Antoszyk, 1c-3.
Passing: Brunner, 5/11-159.
Receptions: Zach Antoszyk, 2-35; Kerbs, 3-124.
Interceptions: Cole Svoboda, 1.
Kickoff returns: Kerbs, 3-55; Hajek, 1-52.
Tackles (solo/assisted): M. Antoszyk, 1/0; Hajek, 3/0; Harding, 6/6; Kendall Harding, 2/0; Brunner, 10/7; Casey Kristek, 3/5; Troutt, 3/1; Trevor Hageberg, 1/0; Jacob Jirak, 1/; Svoboda, 4/4; Z. Antsozyk, 7/2; Shane Methvin, 7/2; Kerbs, 8/4.