Late Touchdown Lifts Centralia Past Hallsville

Meeting for the first time since 2011, the Centralia Panthers and Hallsville Indians made up for lost time by competing in a back-and-forth classic that saw the Panthers come out on top 34-28. The game changed halfway through the 4th quarter with Hallsville leading 28-26 and possessing the ball inside the Centralia five yard line.

Colin Schowe with the call on KTCM 97.3 and centralmoinfo.com of the Harrison Fowler fumble and Lane Matthews recovery. After a long pass play from Beau Gordon to Jackson Wells set the Panthers up deep into Hallsville territory Gordon finished off the game-winning drive.

Gordon would follow up with a shuttle pass to Matthews to give Centralia a 34-28 lead. Hallsville’s following drive would stall out at midfield giving the Panthers a victory in their opening game. Centralia coach Tyler Forsee reacted to his first win as a varsity head coach.

In his first varsity start at quarterback, Gordon ran for 45 yards and three touchdowns. He also threw for 99 yards and a pair of two-point conversion passes. Forsee said the whole team did a great job overcoming adversity to get the win.

Hallsville racked up 347 total yards of offense in the game, however two late fumbles in the red zone proved costly on the night. Hallsville coach Justin Conyers said this loss was a good learning experience for his young team.

Quarterback Tyger Cobb went 13-22 for 189 yards passing and two touchdowns, both to receiver A.J. Austene. Conyers said its thrilling to see the passing game develop so quickly through Cobb and Austene.

Centralia improves to 1-0 and will visit Brookfield next week. Meanwhile, Hallsville falls to 1-1 and will play at Versailles in their Tri-County Conference opener in week three.

Tyler Forsee

Justin Conyers