By ROWENA PLETT

Staff writer

After Friday’s loss to Wilson at home, the Centre Cougars are 2-2 in district play. They were defeated 42-24 in the last home game of the season.

Wilson built a 22-12 lead in the first quarter, but Centre got within 4 points by halftime.

Centre’s first touchdown came on a 43-yard run by quarterback Dakota Stimpson. Dylan Deines caught a 36-yard pass from Stimpson for the second touchdown.

Centre scored the only points in the second quarter on a 1-yard run by Stimpson, making the halftime score 22-18.

The Dragons scored again in the third quarter but held Centre scoreless.

The Cougars didn’t give up. One of their best showings was a 30-second scoring drive in the fourth quarter. Starting on Centre’s 27-line yard, Stimpson had a long run to the Wilson 25-yard line. Conner Montgomery caught a pass and carried the ball to the 6-yard line. After a loss of yards because of an error, Bryce Naerebout caught the ball in the end zone for Centre’s final touchdown.

The score was 36-24 as time was running out. Wilson scored one more time to cement the victory.

The Cougars were unable to score any conversion points. Wilson converted on three touchdowns, giving the Dragons a 6-point advantage.

The Cougars had 212 rushing yards compared with 296 by the Dragons. Stimpson threw for 71 yards compared with 105 yards by Wilson.

Stimpson was Centre’s leading rusher, with 16 carries for 126 yards. Max Svoboda had 14 carries for 56 yards, and Montgomery had 8 carries for 30 yards. Montgomery also had 3 receptions for 16 yards, Deines had 1 for 36 yards, and Naerebout had 1 for 19 yards. Stimpson intercepted a pass.

Centre will play Sylvan Saturday on the road in the final play-off game.