Mexico Surges Past Centralia in District Championship Game

The Mexico Bulldogs ended the game on a 14-0 run as they defeated the Centralia Panthers 66-46 in the Class 4 District 8 Championship Game. The two rivals battled back and forth for much of the game. Mexico outscored Centralia 17-10 in the third quarter to take a 46-40 lead into the final frame. The Bulldogs held serve for the first half of the fourth quarter and DJ Long spearheaded the run from there.

Colin Schowe with the call on KTCM 97.3 and centralmoinfo.com. Long scored 19 of his game-high 21 points in the second half. Centralia led for much of the first half and were up 30-29 at the break. Mexico coach Darren Pappas said Long and the rest of the team had a productive halftime talk.

Jaydon Eldridge added 18 points and PJ Perkins scored 14 to help lead the Bulldogs. Pappas discussed the key to their second half surge.

Mexico improves to 26-2 and will host a Class 4 Sectional on Tuesday. Centralia coach Scott Humphrey said Mexico’s press was the deciding factor.

Centralia started the game with a 6-0 run by Noah Kropf who led the Panthers with 20 points. Coach Scott Humphrey said his team gave a full effort.

The Panthers conclude the season at 17-12. Humphrey said they put together a strong season.

Centralia graduates Kropf, Cullen Bennett, and Beau Hatton from this year’s team.

Mexico coach Darren Pappas

Centralia coach Scott Humphrey