by Wes Sparkmon
Powerful Cougar Defense Prepares to Prey on Coyotes
Tyrel Dodson leads a dominant Centennial defense into Clarksville to face regional opponent West Creek. Since a loss to Independence, the Cougars (4-1, 2-0) have responded forcing 13 turnovers in the 3 games since the loss. A hapless West Creek (0-5, 0-2) offense has Centennial licking their chops at the opportunity to attack the Coyotes.
Opportunistic Offense Takes Advantage of Short Fields and Turnovers
In the first quarter against Clarksville Northeast last week, the Centennial Cougars had to go a total 2 yards for 2 touchdowns. Mondu Sanders has been the big play back for the Cougars, going for 100 yards and 2 touchdowns against Northeast. Dodson has been the bruiser in the backfield, getting the short yardage touchdowns for the Cougars. Centennial quarterback Blake Lovell has been out the past few weeks, allowing Senturian DuReaux to lead the Cougars offense. Centennial is averaging 26.6 points per game, finishing drives on short fields and getting defensive touchdowns.
Defenses Drives Cougars to Top of Region
Led by Texas A&M commit Dodson, the Cougars have forced 14 turnovers on the season en route to their 4-1 record. Centennial’s front seven has been the strength in forcing those turnovers, and has even been called, “the top front seven of any defense in our area” by Ravenwood coach William Hester. Lining up opposite the Cougars, the Coyotes have been unable to mount any serious offense, averaging a meager 6.6 points per game, including two shutouts.
As Centennial reaches the heart of regional play, the Cougars look to have very little between them and their season-ending showdown with Henry County for the regional crown. This week, West Creek looks to have a tough time getting their offense righted against a stingy Centennial defense.
