Staff writer
The Centre Cougars had the satisfaction Friday of breaking the Peabody-Burns Warriors’ 4-0 record by defeating them at Bud Peterson Field 14-6.
As indicated by the score, it was a defensive match-up with numerous punts on both sides and several turnovers on downs. Centre compiled 138 yards rushing compared with 108 yards by Peabody-Burns. Neither team had passing success, Centre completing one pass for 19 yards and Peabody-Burns passing for 17 yards.
The Cougars played an almost perfect game, incurring just one 5-yard penalty for a delay of game. PBHS had seven penalties for a loss of 40 yards.
Playing without two injured players, the Cougars took an early 8-0 lead with a touchdown on a 38-yard run by quarterback Kyle Methvin and a reception by Conner Montgomery for the conversion.
The Warriors turned the ball over on downs in their first possession, but Centre went three and out, returning the ball to Peabody on their 38-yard line. Peabody scored after six plays on a four-yard run by Fred Winsor. Kyle Seeney caught a pass from quarterback Braxton Kyle to tie the game at 8-8.
The second and third quarters were scoreless as both sides struggled to move the ball and turned the ball over or punted numerous times.
The Cougars’ second scoring drive began at 4:59 in the third quarter on their own 27-yard line. Conner Montgomery ran 39 yards for a first down. After two more short gains, Justin Bina received a 19-yard pass for another first down.
The Cougars rushed for a third first down and three more yards to put Centre on the one-yard line as the third quarter ended. One second into the fourth quarter, Methvin crossed the goal line, adding the final six points for a Cougar victory.
Braden Pagenkopf recovered a Peabody-Burns fumble in the Warriors’ next possession, but the ball changed sides seven more times before the game ended with no more points added to the board.
Methvin had 26 carries for 91 yards and one completed pass for 19 yards. Dakota Stimpson rushed for 30 yards, and Montgomery rushed for 20 yards.
Centre will play at Cedar Vale/Dexter on Friday.
Junior high
The junior high Cougars defeated Goessel Thursday at home, 44-28.
Josh Mercer ran for four touchdowns, Max Svoboda two, and Xavier Espinoza one.