Central came out and handled business in a chippy rivalry game to advance into the next round of the playoffs. Central started the game off with the ball, and they would start off rolling with Brody Diel and Tristan Rose picking up 2 first downs off a catch and a run respectively. After this, Central scores early off a 25 yard touchdown pass from Max Gassiott to Keithon Womack to give Central a 6-0 lead to start off a missed extra point.
After this drive Dutchtown had a chance to respond with their kickoff return going to their 22 yard line. When the drive starts however it is dominated by Central’s defense with Lane Billings making back to back tackles for no gain that is followed up by a sack from Jaydon Garnett. This would force Dutchtown to punt the ball back to Central. Central then ends up scoring shortly after on a 4th down at the goal line through running back Brody Knapps which would now give Central a 12-0 lead off a failed 2-point conversion.
Dutchtown gets the ball and starts their second drive of the day much stronger with passes to Martell Rogers and Carter Hedden both pick up first downs. In scoring position however Dutchtown is stopped on third down off a goal line tackle by Alexander Stewart forcing them to kick a field goal which makes the score 12-3 with Central in the lead. With the ball back in Central’s hands they elect to stick with the run game as QB Max Gassiot would run for a first down. Central also ends up scoring through this same run game by giving the ball to Brody Knapps once again who scores his second touchdown of the day giving Central a 19-3 lead.
Dutchtown in response during their drive also run the ball through their quarterback with Owen Fletcher running for back to back big gains that puts them in the redzone. Once they are here Dutchtown is able to score on a 4th down pass to Zach Dotter who scores their first touchdown of the day putting them down 19-10. Receiving the ball again Central’s offense kept firing this time with two big catches by Keithon Womack that puts Central in scoring position. At the goal line, Central is able to punch the ball through on a run to Tristan Rose who would give Central a 2 score lead, putting them up 26-10. Alongside this, Central’s defense carried the momentum of their offense as they are able to force a quick 3 and out from Dutchtown’s offense. To compound on top of all this Lane Billings blocks the punt from Dutchtown and Central recovers the punt at their own 1 yard line. With the ball at the 1 yard line Central is easily able to score on a run by the QB Max Gassiott thus giving Central a 32-10 lead going into halftime. Coming out of halftime Dutchtown starts with the ball and immediately throws an interception by Mason Moore, which puts the ball in Central’s hands already within scoring position. However, Dutchtown is able to recover with them making a fantastic 4th down stop at the goal line which causes a turnover on downs. Central’s defense comes up big once again though as Camden Rankin comes up with an interception on the first play of Dutchtown’s drive. Central’s offense wouldn’t be stopped again either with passes to Brody Diel and Jacori Platt both picking up first downs. This drive would end however, through Brody Knapps who scores his 3rd touchdown of the day giving Central a 39-10 lead.
When they receive the ball Dutchtown begins good with a quick first down pass to Caden Messina. Everything falls apart afterwards though as J Mike Garrett and Alexander Stewart would come up with a sack that is then followed by Camden Rankin’s second interception of the day thus giving Central the ball. With this, Central quickly scores on a touchdown run by Marcus Watson putting them up 45-10. And to continue Dutchtown’s rough third quarter they are unable to get a drive going and essentially go three and out once more giving the ball back in Central’s hands to end the third quarter. Central would then switch to their back up quarterback Jacori Platt who makes an instant impact as he would run in for a touchdown shortly after subbing in giving Central a 52-10 lead.
With the ball back in Dutchtown’s hands they do not give up as they start a nice drive picking up two first downs off passes to Malik Shehadeh and Zach Dotter. After this, they’re able to score a touchdown off a catch by Caden Messina putting Dutchtown down 52-17. With the ball, Central stops looking to score as they really just run the clock out until they turn the ball over on downs. Dutchtown before the end of the game throws a deep pass to Zach Dotter who would receive it for a touchdown ending the game at the final score 52-24 with Central coming away with the win.
It’s going to be a touch contest they’ll come over here and it’s nice to be at home but the expectation is to keep playing our best ball. We’ve got to focus on us, and it doesn’t matter who we play it’s a nameless faceless opponent our kids got to find a way to continue to bring their best an prepare to perform on Friday nights.
Central High School Head Coach David Simoneaux when asked about upcoming East Ascension matchup
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