Centre is 3-1 in district play
Staff writer
It took less than a minute for the Centre High School Cougars to score a touchdown against Altoona-Midway Friday in the final home game of the season. The Cougars went on to win the game, 71-21, in a shortened contest due to the 45-point mercy rule.
It was parents’ night and four seniors — Kordell Harding, Zach Calvert, Trevor Hageberg, and Shane Methvin —were recognized along with their parents.
Centre scored on each of its four possessions in the first quarter.
After two firstdowns on runs by quarterback Kyle Methvin, Houston Svoboda, and Shane Methvin, a pass from Kyle Methvin to Svoboda resulted in a touchdown. The conversion attempt was successful and Centre led, 8-0.
The Jets completed a pass and a long run in their first possession and scored on a one-yard run. They kicked the extra point, allowing Centre to retain a one-point lead, 8-7.
Kyle Methvin ran 69 yards for a touchdown on Centre’s next possession. After a successful conversion, Centre led 16-7.
After a 3-and-out by the Jets, Shane Methvin ran to the 14-yard-line on a handoff from his brother. A couple of runs later, Kyle Methvin entered the end zone for a 22-7 Cougar lead. The conversion attempt failed.
Altoona was forced to punt on its next possession. A blocked punt put the ball at the 8-yard-line. With one minute remaining in the quarter, Kyle Methvin ran for his third touchdown. The Cougars ended the quarter with a 28-7 lead.
Centre continued to pile up points in the second quarter. A touchdown by Shane Methvin and a successful conversion made the score 36-7. The Cougars were assisted by a pass interference penalty on the Jets.
Kyle Methvin intercepted a pass on Altoona’s next possession, which led to a touchdown reception and run by Kordell Harding. The conversion attempt failed, and Centre led, 42-7.
The two teams exchanged punts several times during the remainder of the quarter. Time ran out in the half soon after a Centre player fumbled the ball on the five-yard line and the Cougars lost possession.
Centre scored again on its first possession in the third quarter. Harding caught a pass and ran 65 yards for the touchdown. After the 2-point conversion, Centre led, 50-7.
Altoona gained impressive yards through the air, and scored a touchdown on a run from the 7-yard-line at 6:41. The conversion attempt failed.
The Jets recovered the ball on an on-side kick and a long run took them to Centre’s 15-yard-line. A few plays later, the Jets completed a touchdown pass. The 2-point conversion narrowed the gap to 50-21.
A fumble by Harding in Centre’s next possession was recovered by Altoona, but the Jets were forced to punt.
On the opening drive of the fourth quarter, Centre’s Kyle Methvin ran 49 yards for a touchdown. Harding added a kicking point, and Centre led, 57-21.
Centre scored again on a fumble recovery by Harding. Harding provided a couple of good blocks on a long run by Kyle Methvin, allowing Methvin to reach the end zone. After the 2-point conversion, Centre increased its lead to 65-21.
Kendall Harding provided the final touchdown run that ended the game with five minutes, 29 seconds remaining on the clock.
Centre compiled an impressive 314 yards rushing on 34 carries. Altoona struggled on the ground, completing just 50 yards on 36 carries. Centre passed for 196 yards compared with 141 yards by Altoona.
Kyle Methvin was the leading rusher with 16 carries for 208 yards. Other rushers were Svoboda, 8-36; Shane Methvin, 6-42; and Kendall Harding, 4-28.
Kyle Methvin completed 7-of-10 passes for all of Centre’s passing yards. Kordell Harding was the leading receiver, with three receptions for 106 yards. Other receivers were Svoboda, 2-36; Shane Methvin, 1-49; and Justin Deines, 1-5.
Kendall Harding was the leading tackler with seven solo tackles and seven assists. His brother, Kordell, provided 10 assists and two single-handed tackles.
Other tacklers were Shane Methvin, 10 (solo and assisted); Trevor Hageberg, 10; Kyle Methvin, 7; Terren Thompson, 6; and Justin Deines, 3. Kyle Methvin and Kendall Harding each had one interception.
With Friday’s victory, Centre is at 3-1 in district play. They play Hartford Thursday. Athletic director Greg Wyatt said there is a chance they could go on even if they lose, but if they win, they will advance to regional competition.
District standings
1. Waverly 4-0
2. Centre 3-1
3. Flinthills 3-1
4. Hartford 2-2
5. Altoona 0-4
6. Elk Valley 0-4