After trailing the first three quarters at Little River, the Centre Cougars pulled out a 34-28 victory.

First-year coach Matt Warta was ecstatic.

“Our guys worked their tails off,” he said. “I am pleased with their performance. This was a hard fought victory.”

Max Svoboda caught a short pass from quarterback Cole Methvin for the winning touchdown. It was Svoboda’s second touchdown and the only score of the fourth quarter.

Jensen Riffel, Methvin, and Dylan Deines also scored touchdowns. Deines’ touchdown was a 42-yard kickoff return.

Svoboda led rushing with 21 carries for 101 yards. Deines was the leading receiver with four catches for 59 yards. Xavier Espinoza intercepted a pass.

The Cougars have a home game Friday against Goessel.

Cougars run at Abilene

Four Centre high school students competed in cross country Thursday in Abilene. Kate Basore, running in her first meet, placed 45th of 48. Competing with 71 boys, CJ Thompson finished 26th, Tanner Wiggans, 66th, and Jordan Miller 71st.

Peterson medals at Emporia

Centre’s girls golf team competed Aug. 30 at Emporia. Hannah Peterson finished 7th out of 30 golfers, her third consecutive year of medaling at Emporia. She won the tournament last year.

Avery Williams finished 25th, and Maliequa Spohn finished 28th.