Centre football falls to Clifton-Clyde

Cougars are 2-2 in district with 2 games left

By ROWENA PLETT

Staff writer

Clifton-Clyde (5-1) spoiled Centre’s homecoming Friday by defeating the 3-2 Cougars, 46-26.

The Eagles scored quickly, leading 8-0 after two minutes. They intercepted the ball and recovered a Centre fumble in following possessions to lead 28-0, but the Cougars kept fighting.

With 10 seconds remaining in the first half, Dalton Stika received a pass from Braxton Smith to score a touchdown and put Centre on the board. The conversion attempt failed.

Centre had first possession in the third quarter and ran 6½ minutes off the clock. Xavier Espinoza and Max Svoboda had long runs for three first downs before Espinoza caught a pass in the end zone for 6 points.

Clifton-Clyde returned Centre’s kickoff for a touchdown, making the score 34-12 after the conversion.

Centre scored again before the quarter ended on a pass to Cody Svoboda. Kelsey Hett caught a pass for a successful conversion, giving Centre 20 points.

The fourth quarter was marred by fumbles and interceptions. The Eagles scored twice and held Centre scoreless until Espinoza returned an Eagles’ kickoff 70 yards for a touchdown with 44 seconds left, making the final score 46-26.

“We didn’t start the game well,” coach Kelly Steiner said. “We can’t spot a good team 16 points before we start playing.”

He was pleased with the passing and receiving yards of Smith and Espinoza.

Centre had 70 yards rushing compared with 326 yards by Clifton-Clyde.

Max Svoboda led Centre on the ground with 14 carries for 46 yards. Smith completed 16 of 30 passes for 271 yards.

Espinoza had 11 receptions for 181 yards and 5 kickoff returns for 118 yards.

Centre will play at Valley Falls on Friday.