Cougars ‘just kept going’
Staff writer
With just 12 players suited up for football, expectations of Centre fans were reserved as the team faced off against Little River on Friday at home.
However, the Cougars were determined, and no matter how far they fell behind, they didn’t quit, finishing the game with an 8-point loss.
The Cougars matched Little River touchdown for touchdown at first. After a 16-16 tie, Little River scored a touchdown and led 22-16.
Things went downhill fast when a pass to Cody Svoboda from quarterback Braxton Smith was intercepted for another Little River touchdown and two extra points. Little River had first possession in the second half and scored again quickly, advancing their lead to 20 points, 36-16.
But just when it looked like they were being overwhelmed, the Cougars dug in their heels. Starting at the 7-yard line, they advanced downfield and into the end zone for another 6 points, despite false start and holding penalties. Both teams were forced to punt in their next possessions, but Little River fumbled Centre’s punt and Centre recovered.
Jensen Riffel, Max Svoboda, and Smith carried the ball for first downs, and Svoboda carried it in for a score. The Cougars trailed by 6, 36-30.
Little River came back to score and, after the conversion, extended their lead to 14 points.
But Centre didn’t quit. Xavier Espinoza carried the ball to the Little River 32-yard line, and Smith ran it on for a touchdown. After Little River scored again, Espinoza had the Cougars’ final touchdown run. After the two extra points, Centre trailed by just 8, 50-42.
Coach Kelly Steiner was pleased with his players. “They just kept going and going and going,” he said.
Last modified Sept. 7, 2017