Courier Journal: Central Rallies Over South Warren, into 3A Title Game

[Watusi]

Central rallies over South Warren, into Class 3-A title game | USA Today High School Sports | USA Today High School Sports

 

This is a good article, complete with a highlight video. Here are some excerpts:

 

 

 

Its offense stifled for much of the night, the Central High School football team leaned on its defense and special teams to earn a trip back to the state final.

 

 

The Yellowjackets forced four turnovers, allowed zero points after the first two drives and got a big night from sophomore punter Michael Branch to beat visiting South Warren 16-14 on Friday in a Class 3-A state semifinal.

 

...

 

“There were times I said, ‘I don’t know if we can get it done,’” Scroggins said of returning to the final. “It’s been a tough year, and these kids just believed in the system and wanted to get back there. … Nobody expected us to be here because of our youth.”

 

...

 

After Litten’s two touchdown runs, Central got back in the game thanks to its punter and defense. Branch’s 38-yard-punt pinned the Spartans at their 1-yard line, and two plays later Central’s Nekia Johnson forced Austin McElwain to fumble. Central’s William Harper pounced on the loose ball and carried it 2 yards for a touchdown to pull the Yellowjackets within 14-10 with 2:05 left in the first quarter.

 

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The Yellowjackets finished with just six first downs — including one in the second half — and 176 total yards. Beason carried 15 times for 78 yards. Quarterback Myron Norfleet completed 10 of 22 passes for 60 yards.

[ATLCat]

When Central wins the turnover battle they are nearly impossible to beat come November.

[Watusi]

When Central wins the turnover battle they are nearly impossible to beat come November.

No question. You just cannot give them more possessions than you get, period. They will capitalize.

 

On a night when the offense wasn't really moving the ball (6 first downs) Central won with defense and special teams. One of their scores was a recovered fumble on the 1 yd line that they carried into the end zone. They find a way to win.

 

I respect Central's football program as much as anyone in KY

[ATLCat]

I wonder since Central began their run in 2007 how many touchdowns Central has scored in the playoffs from quick change points...either turnovers returned for scores or special teams? My gut would say it would be a very large crooked number.

[Commander 25]

I wonder since Central began their run in 2007 how many touchdowns Central has scored in the playoffs from quick change points...either turnovers returned for scores or special teams? My gut would say it would be a very large crooked number.

 

A lot of them.