By ROWENA PLETT

Staff writer

Cougars score final touchdown in 12 seconds

After a promising 16-6 start by the Centre Cougars Friday at Bud Peterson Field, the Canton-Galva Eagles came on strong. Their defensive line broke through Centre’s offense again and again to sack the quarterback or prevent much gain on the ground.

Several Cougars were temporarily knocked out of the game during the contest, and Dalton Stika was permanently sidelined for the season with an injury.

Jacob Hurd, at 115 pounds, had a lot of success on the ground, rushing for 41 yards, behind quarterback Braxton Smith, who rushed for 85 yards.

The Eagles took the lead, 18-16, at 9:52 in the second quarter and continued to run roughshod over the Cougars.

A blocked punt by Kyle Naerebout put Centre on its own 21-yard-line, but the Cougars couldn’t capitalize on it and punted.

That’s when the Eagles went on a 40-point unanswered run. Aided by three interceptions, a fumble recovery, and a long run, they led, 58-16, at 6:34 in the fourth quarter.

The Cougars didn’t give up. Hurd returned the ball to the 25-yard line. A good block by Naerebout allowed Smith to run 20 yards for a first down. Aiden Svoboda carried it another five yards to make it first and goal.

After a five-yard penalty on Canton-Galva, Smith ran for a touchdown with 2:39 remaining. The conversion attempt failed, and the score was 58-22 in the Eagles’ favor.

Despite a quarterback sack on Canton-Galva’s next possession, the Eagles got a long touchdown run and converted for another eight points with 53 seconds remaining.

Just when it looked like the game was over, Xavier Espinoza scored a touchdown 12 seconds later on a kickoff return.

With 41 seconds remaining, Canton-Galva took a knee. The game ended with the score 66-28.

Ground stats reveal a lot about the outcome. Canton-Galva rushed for 332 yards compared with 138 by Centre.

Smith threw four completed passes for 80 yards, including 72 to Espinoza.