Centre beats Hope 28-22, first time since 1996 season

Avenging a 2009, four-overtime 30-24 loss that determined the final Dwight D. Eisenhower League title, the Centre Cougars defeated Eight-man Division 2 power Hope 28-22 Friday at Hope.

The win puts Centre in a position to win the first Wheat State League title if the Cougars can defeat White City.

The Cougars scored their first touchdown on a 54-yard run by quarterback Tanner Brunner. Failing on the 2-point conversion, Centre led 6-0 with 4:53 to play in the first period.

Hope then took an 8-6 lead with a 24-yard run Lucas Bird.

Brunner gave the Cougars a 14-8 lead with 1:34 in the first quarter when he connected with slotback Rustyn Kerbs for a 17-yard touchdown pass. Brunner then threw to Brian Burhoop for a 2-point pass.

Momentum shifted to the Lions early in the second quarter. Hope scored two consecutive touchdowns to take a 22-14 lead.

Centre tied the game at 22 a little more than a minute later when Brunner threw for his second touchdown with a 30-yard strike to Cole Svodoba. Brunner ran in the ensuing 2-point with 5:20 left in the half.

The remainder of the game was a defensive struggle. Neither team scored again until Centre took a permanent lead at the 10:14 mark in the fourth quarter when Bur?hoop and Brunner hooked up for an 18-yard touchdown. Failing on the 2-point conversion, Centre?s lead was 28-22.

The win was Centre?s first over Hope since 1996. Coach Kelly Steiner was a member of that Centre squad.

Brunner broke 100 yards in rushing and passing for the third straight week, carrying the ball 16 times for 157 yards and a touchdown and completing seven of 13 passes for 106 yards and three touchdowns.

He also led the Cougars on defense with 13 tackles and a fumble recovery.

Kerbs caught three passes for 39 yards and a touchdown. The senior also recorded 12 tackles.

Centre concludes league play Friday at home against White City (1-2, 0-2). The Cougars will start district play Oct. 1 versus Flint Hills.

Peabody-Burns 69, Canton-Galva 24?In a rivalry renewed, the Peabody-Burns, the Warriors spoiled the Eagles? homecoming, 69-24, Friday at Canton.

PBHS running back Abe Eldridge ran for four touchdowns, including a 50-yarder with 3:35 left in the first quarter. Quarterback Hunter Pickens ran for three scores and threw for one.

Running back Storm Pickens found the end zone three from 60 yards twice and 34 yards once.

CGHS quarterback Nick Vogts ran for two touchdowns, one a 65-yard kick return.

Peabody-Burns (2-1, 1-1) will host Hope (2-1, 2-1) for homecoming Friday, while Canton-Galva (1-2) travels to play Twin Lakes League opponent Lincoln (2-1).

Lincoln 84, Goessel 34?Goessel remains winless after falling to Lincoln 84-34 Friday in Goessel.

Bluebird running back John Berkholz carried the ball 15 times for 149 yards and caught six passes for 73 yards. Wurttemberg Neal Brubaker went 17-for-32 for 207 yards.

Goessel (0-3, 0-2) will host Claflin (0-3, 0-2) Friday.

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