Centennial Relying On Running Game To Beat Overton Friday

The Centennial offense huddles up during a football game at Clarksville Northeast High School on Friday Aug. 23, 2013.

Williamson County Football

By: David Wells

Nobody is safe. Heading into this week’s home opener against John Overton High School, Centennial head coach Brian Rector is not opposed to trying something new, even if that means benching some of his starters.

“We’re going to work on everything and open up competition at any and every position,” he said. “I won’t be any more specific than that because, frankly, it would take too long.”

Rector and the rest of the Centennial Cougars football team are still reeling after their 48-31 season-opening loss to Clarksville Northeast, where Centennial’s defense gave up 21 unanswered points in the second half and surrendered 555 yards on the ground.

Stopping the run has been the key defensive goal for Rector, and he said that plugging in the gaps against Northeast was not a matter of poor schemes and strategy, but of rudimentary errors.

“Honestly, it comes down to simple things,” he said. “Their guys are better than our guys. Secondly, a lot of missed tackles. They also do a great job at misdirection.”

Centennial will face another strong running team in Overton. Bobcats Justin Martin scored three rushing touchdowns in a 28-21 victory over Father Ryan, including a 77-yard touchdown less than a minute into the first quarter.

“They’re a good football team; they’re very solid across the roster,” Rector said. “They have a solid running game, which is our weakness, at least after this week. We have a tall order for us, no question about that.”

On offense, Centennial will rely heavily on its running game. Quarterback Billy Lowe was 4-for-17 passing for 41 yards and one interception that Northeast defender Matt Briggs returned 77 yards for a touchdown.

Meanwhile, the Cougars rushed for 228 yards, with running back Deon Sanders leading the way with 198 yards on 25 carries.

Centennial will host Overton Friday night at 7 p.m.