Cougars zap St. John s Military in season-opening blowout
By ROWENA PLETT
Staff writer
The Centre Cougars needed only two quarters Friday to knock off St. John's Military of Salina in the first game of the season on their home field. They won the game, 49-0.
"We were able to play everyone in the game," said Coach Bud Peterson. "I was very pleased with the team chemistry and overall unity that developed."
Fullback Seth Jirak got the game off to a rolling start with a 73-yard return for a touchdown on the opening kick. The extra-point attempt failed, making the score 6-0.
Jirak scored again halfway into the first quarter on a one-yard run and again at 5:41 in a 22-yard run. Quarterback Dustin Burnett passed the ball to Scott Peterson in the end zone for the extra point, making the score 19-0.
The fourth Centre touchdown in the first quarter came on an 18-yard pass from Burnett to Andrew Donahue. Jeremy Kristek ran in for the extra point. At the end of the quarter, the score was 26-0.
The Cougars scored three more times in the second quarter to clinch the victory.
Kristek scored with a two-yard run, followed by an extra-point pass from Burnett to Lance Diepenbrock.
With four minutes remaining in the quarter, Brandon Albrecht ran two yards for a touchdown. The extra-point attempt failed.
The final touchdown was scored by James Weber on a 16-yard pass from Zach Slayden. Jirak kicked for the extra point, and the game came to an end based on the 45-point rule.
The Cougars rushed 26 times for 157 yards and threw the ball for 54 yards. St. John's rushed 24 times for 50 yards and gained no yards in the air.
Bryant Gutsch was leading rusher with 40 yards. Burnett passed for 28 yards, and Donahue received for 18 yards.
Aaron Bowman led the defense, with four unassisted and three assisted tackles. Jirak had three unassisted tackles and seven assists.
The Cougars play Friday at Wakefield.
