Staff writer
In a game played Friday on the road, the Centre High School football team was defeated by Lebo, 36-26.
Centre led at halftime, 26-20, but failed to score in the second half.
Coach Kelly Steiner said the team improved its play from the previous week.
“We just gave up too many big plays,” he said. “Our defense would make several good stops and then give up a long pass play.”
Both of Lebo’s touchdowns in the second half were scored on long passes, 22 yards and 62 yards respectively. Both conversion attempts were successful.
The Cougars trailed 6-0 in the first quarter when quarterback Kyle Methvin ran for 12 yards for a touchdown. The conversion attempt failed. Lebo scored again and added 8 points to lead 14-6 at the end of the quarter.
Centre went on a roll in the second quarter, scoring three consecutive touchdowns before Lebo added one on a kick return. Houston Svoboda caught a 21-yard pass from Methvin. Dakota Stimpson recovered a Lebo fumble and ran into the end zone for another Centre touchdown. Justin Deines caught a pass from Methvin for two extra points. The third touchdown came on a 35-yard pass to Svoboda. The conversion attempt failed.
Statistics indicate the two teams were evenly matched, even though Centre had 17 first downs compared to nine by Lebo. Centre had 31 carries for 105 yards compared to 32 carries and 89 yards for Lebo.
Methvin was the leading rusher with 18 carries for 74 yards. He passed for 258 yards, and Lebo passed for 264 yards. Methvin threw five interceptions. Deines had 13 receptions for 111 yards, Svoboda 8 for 84, and Dallen Thompson, 2 for 43.
Centre Junior High School
On Thursday, the junior high football team defeated Little River, 38-12. They are 4-0.