Team Effort Gives Centralia Shutout Win Over Mexico

The Centralia Panthers used a balanced offensive effort and a team effort on defense to shutout Mexico 27-0. It took just one play from scrimmage for the Panthers to get on the board.

Colin Schowe with the call on KTCM 97.3 and centralmoinfo.com of the first of three touchdown passes on the night for quarterback Cullen Bennett. The game stayed at 6-0 until late in the first half when Bennett hooked up with Beau Hatton for a 63-yard scoring strike to make it 14-0 at the break. After a rushing touchdown by Drayden Conde in the third quarter, Bennett hooked up with Logan Rosenfelder for a fourth quarter score to conclude the night. Bennett finished the game with 203 total yards on the night. Centralia coach Tyler Forsee analyzed the play of his senior quarterback.

Seven different receivers had a catch for the Panthers. Centralia held Mexico’s rushing attack to 198 yards. Forsee said the shutout was a team effort.

The Bulldogs were hurt by three turnovers in the contest and some ill-timed penalties. Defensively, the Bulldogs allowed 301 yards of total offense against the Panthers. Mexico coach Steve Haag said this was a learning experience for his team.

Second half injuries to running backs Drew DeMint and Hunter Cuno forced Haag to turn to a number of reserves including Ethan Johnson and Korbyn Dorsey. Haag said he liked the way the back-ups performed.

Johnson had eleven carries for 51 yards while Peyton Hoover led the Bulldog ground attack with nine carries for 67 yards. Centralia stays at home to face Hallsville in week two while Mexico welcomes Southern Boone to town for their home opener.

Centralia coach Tyler Forsee

Mexico coach Steve Haag