Stahlecker leads Cougars to win over St. John's Military
The Centre Cougars' game at home Friday with St. John's Military Academy of Salina was completed in less than three quarters of play as Centre defeated St. John's by a score of 50-0.
"It was another game of big plays," said Coach Bud Peterson.
Receiver Todd Stahlecker scored six touchdowns on runs, including one interception return. He compiled 89 yards rushing in eight carries.
Seth Jirak led the defense, with eight unassisted and four assisted tackles.
The Muleskinners had trouble moving the ball on the ground and in the air and were forced to punt or give up the ball on downs numerous times.
The first touchdown was scored only 10 seconds into the game, as Stahlecker returned the kick-off ball for 76 yards. The PAT pass from quarterback Eric Peterson to Brent Carlson added two points, making the score 8-0.
With 6:19 remaining in the first quarter, Stahlecker entered the end zone again. The extra-point attempt was unsuccessful, making the score 14-0.
Seth Jirak intercepted the ball in the next St. John's possession, but the Cougars were forced to give up the ball after a quarterback sack by the Muleskinners set them back 11 yards.
The final touchdown of the quarter came with just 37 seconds remaining. Stahlecker ran 25 yards into the end zone. He added another two points by catching a pass from Peterson.
The quarter ended with the score 22-0.
The second quarter saw touchdowns by Stahlecker and Peterson and four extra points. The half-time score was 38-0.
It didn't take much to clinch the win after that. A 65-yard punt return for a touchdown and a 27-yard interception return for another touchdown, both by Stahlecker, ended the game at 10:19 in the third quarter.
The easy win will be followed with a tough homecoming game Friday with arch-rival Hope.
STATISTICS
Centre 22 16 12 X 50
St. John's 0 0 0 X 0
Team play (Centre/St. John's): first downs, 2/4; yards rushing, 18c-92/25c-52; yards passing, 2-8-1 for 25yds/3-17-2 for 30; penalties, 3-30/3-11; fumbles, 2-0/4-2.
Touchdowns: Todd Stahlecker 6, Eric Peterson 1.
Extra points: Brent Carlson 2, Stahlecker 6.
Rushing: Stahlecker 8carries-89 yds, Travis Burns 3c-4, Peterson 7c-1.
Passing: Burns 0-1, Peterson 2-7-1 for 25yds.
Receiving: Burns 1-0yds, Scott Peterson, 1-25.
Kick returns: Stahlecker 1-76yds.
Punt returns: Stahlecker 3-96yds.
Tackles (unassisted, assisted): Seth Jirak 8/4, Burns 3/6, Carlson 2/4, Stahlecker 2/2, Joe Forsberg 1/3.
Interceptions: Jirak 1, Stahlecker 1.
Fumble recoveries: Burns 1, Carlson 1.
