Cougars show progress despite loss to Bern
Cougars at home Friday against Cuba-Hillcrest
The CHS football team played its second district game Friday at Bern.
Despite a strong passing game and good yardage on the ground, the Cougars could not overcome several errors and were defeated, 48-24.
Regardless of the loss, Coach Bud Peterson saw improvement in the team's performance. During the previous week, he made some changes, switching Seth Jirak from quarterback to fullback and placing Albert Hajek in the quarterback position.
"We consistently got the running game and passing game going Friday," he said. "We're showing some determination."
He said the team made several costly mistakes such as fumbling and losing the ball twice inside their own 10-yard line and allowing a punt return for a touchdown.
Bern was ahead 14-0 when Bryant Gutsch scored Centre's first touchdown in the second quarter. The PAT failed, keeping the score, 14-6.
Bern scored again in the second quarter, resulting in a halftime score of 22-6.
Bern continued on a roll in the third quarter, adding 12 more points, including a 61-yard punt return for a touchdown.
Brent Potocnik of Centre ran 16 yards on a pass from Hajek to score the next touchdown. The conversion run was unsuccessful, and the third quarter ended with the score, 36-12, in Bern's favor.
Bern and Centre added two touchdowns each in the fourth quarter. Hajek ran for four yards and Keenan Geissert for five to score Centre's last 12 points. The final score: Bern 48, Centre 24.
Judging from statistics, the team performed well overall. They completed 18 first downs compared to eight by Bern. They passed for 154 yards compared to 69 yards by Burn. Centre lost 20 yards on three penalties; Bern lost 31 yards on five penalties. Bern fumbled the ball six times and lost it three times; Centre lost it twice on five fumbles.
Both teams punted the ball five times. Bern was strong on punt returns, traveling 104 yards on four returns. Centre made no returns on punts.
Jirak carried the ball 20 times for 127 yards, followed by Hajek, with 18 carries for 62 yards. Hajek threw the ball 10 times for 154 yards.
Leading pass receiver was Thieen Antoszyk, who advanced the ball 43 yards on one reception. Potocnik traveled 28 yards in two receptions. Scott Peterson caught two for 26 yards.
Keenan Geissert led the defense with 12 unassisted and five assisted tackles. He also recovered a fumble.
The next district game is Friday at home against Cuba-Hillcrest. A win is imperative to remain in contention for bi-district play.
