Lions defeat Centre Cougars
By ROWENA PLETT
Staff writer
The Hope Lions handed the Centre Cougars their fourth loss of the season Friday, defeating them 60-12 at Cougar Field.
The Lions struck quickly, scoring eight points in their first possession. They crossed the goal line two more times in the first quarter, once after a runback to the one-yard line, to lead 22-0.
The Cougars' first six points came in the second quarter, after Hope added another eight points. Quarterback Ben Krause connected with Zach Slayden, who broke free and ran 42 yards for the touchdown. The PAT failed.
Hope piled up 46 points before Centre scored again on a 54-yard run by Brandon Albrecht. After a failed PAT attempt, the score stood at 46-12.
With seconds remaining in the first half, Hope scored again, making the score 54-12.
The game ended in the third quarter after Centre was forced to punt and Hope went on to score again with 7:25 on the clock to lead by 48 points.
"We fought hard and never gave up," said Coach Kelly Steiner. "Hope has a very good team."
The statistics tell the story. Centre completed just two first downs compared to 17 by Hope. Centre lost 54 yards on eight penalties compared to 20 yards on three by Hope.
The Cougars completed just four of 16 passes for 56 yards. Hope had nine receptions for 136 yards.
Centre had 14 carries for 74 yards compared to 36 carries for 209 yards by Hope.
Albrecht was Centre's leading rusher, with nine carries for 81 yards. Slayden was leading receiver, with two catches for 45 yards.
Tanner Brunner had one interception for a gain of five yards.
The Cougars face another tough match Friday as they play state-ranked Claflin during fall homecoming festivities.
Junior varsity
The junior varsity defeated White City Sept. 17 on the road, 34-0.
Touchdowns were scored by Konley Harding, Tanner Brunner, and Rustyn Kerbs.
Harding threw four completed passes for 67 yards, and one interception. Brunner was leading rusher, with seven carries for 59 yards. Trevor Troutt had four receptions for 67 yards.
Brunner led the defense with 10 assisted and three solo tackles. Troutt had one interception and Casey Kristek had one fumble recovery.
