On September 28, around noon time, the nest was filled with fans decked out in all red to support their Eagles. Students, teachers, parents, grandparents, and an overall abundance of support filled the bleachers as they prepared to cheer on their football team. The Eagles were playing host to the River Hill Hawks, who were looking to come in and spoil Centennial’s big day. Centennial was looking to get their first win of the season, after a game against Guilford Park the week before saw the Eagles leading in the 4th quarter, but ultimately falling short 26-13. On the other side, River Hill was looking to build off of a nice win against Reservoir 15-7, the previous week.
With all of the hype built up before kickoff, the first drives did not disappoint for either team. The Hawks started with the ball and immediately picked up a first down from a long run and additionally accepted a 15-yard flag on an Eagles’ face mask. The quarterback for the Hawks rushed into the endzone to cap off a sharp 31-second drive. The Eagles then had the chance to respond and did. Their first drive was started by consecutive 15+-yard rushes by Centennial running backs Daytron Graham and Brandon Hill. Hill rushed for another 10-yard gain, and August Dedrick then caught a 6-yard pass to put the Eagles in the red zone. This long drive set up a short QB rush into the endzone by Elliot Ogg to put Centennial on the board, which sent the bleachers into a frenzy. Only 5 minutes into the game, the score was 6-7, and Eagles fans were electric with hope for the rest of the game.
The Hawks responded to the Eagles statement of a first drive with a pair of touchdowns themselves to close the first quarter at 21-6. A heavy reliance on the run game was present for both teams in the second quarter, specifically Centennial running back Efrain Francis picking up multiple long-run first downs. The Eagles continued to have success in the run but were unable to convert on key third downs, forcing them to punt back to the Hawks who could not be denied. River Hill scored three touchdowns to Centennial’s zero in the second quarter, resulting in a halftime score of 42-6.
The second half saw a reset from both teams, but neither seemed to change their formula on offense of hard-running football. Ogg was able to get going for a few completions to receivers Graham and Dedrick to start the half but were eventually forced to punt it off to the Hawks. River Hill wasted no time getting back on the board with another rushing touchdown to end the third quarter at 49-6. The fourth quarter displayed the pride and resilience of the Eagles as they shut down the Hawks offense for no more scores, and continued to fight. Centennial running back Hill delivered the highlight of the game with 8 minutes left in the game when he sliced through the defense for an 85-yard rushing touchdown that revitalized an antsy crowd and gave the Eagles life to finish the game on a high note. The score remained the same for the rest of the game and finished 12-49 in favor of the visiting Hawk
Despite the end result, the game was still loaded with an ambiance and a charged atmosphere that made it special.
“Homecoming games always feel a bit special,” said Dedrick. “There was a little bit more school spirit than you usually feel at a game.”
Dedrick also discussed the difference of playing during the daytime as opposed to the typical night games on Fridays. “Playing during the day versus the night is a completely different experience. The sun really came out during that game, especially in the second half. With such a short roster, that extra heat really gets to you.”
Centennial will look to further unlock some of the positives taken from this game and take them into the final month of the season.
“That game really showed us that we have the offensive weapons to do what we need to do,” said Dedrick. “The passing was really good that game.”
Dedrick also credits the running backs being a huge contributor to the game. “The run game was effective and we have some elite running backs. Efrain and Brandon do a great job of taking that volume and putting it in the numbers.”
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