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No sweat: Centennial makes quick work of Kimball
BY Chris O’Dell, codell@starlocalnews.com
ADDISON – Centennial typically rides a dominant defense with a balanced offensive attack to cruise to victories.
It was the third phase of the game that carried the Titans to a 38-12 win during Friday's area-round matchup against Dallas Kimball.
"That was huge," said Mark Howard, Centennial head coach. "Our special teams obviously gave us great field position today.”
Senior quarterback Lamar Jordan capitalized on the block by hitting junior receiver Stoney Hawkins for a 13-yard touchdown and a 7-0 lead with 7:25 remaining in the first quarter.
The Knights were less fortunate in their special teams play and missed a chance to tie the game after a 10-yard touchdown throw from senior quarterback Traveon Thibodeaux to senior receiver Prentavious Morehead. The score made it 7-6 after Kimball's extra point hit the upright for a miss.
Centennial wasted no time answering Kimball's score, with Jordan throwing a 35-yard bomb to senior receiver Cody Bagwell for a 14-6 lead at the 1:25 mark of the opening quarter.
"We struggled trying to run the ball offensively," Howard said. "Thank goodness we were able to throw it."
Jordan finished the game with 204 yards, four touchdowns and two interceptions after completing 12-of-27 attempts. The senior signal caller also shook off a hard hit during the second quarter after taking a blind-side hit during a first-down scramble.
"You're always nervous when your quarterback takes a big hit like that," Howard said.
Jordan remained in the game and threw his third touchdown pass of the first half minutes later after finding Bagwell for a 33-yard connection. The score gave Centennial a 21-6 lead with just 1:32 left in the first half.
Bagwell ended his day with three receptions for 98 yards and two scores.
Leading by 15 points at the break, the Titans added a quick insurance touchdown to begin the third quarter when senior Cydney Calvin fielded the opening kickoff of the half at the 28-yard line and ran 72 yards to the end zone, giving Centennial a 28-6 advantage.
Kimball responded with a 2-yard touchdown run from senior running back Teriyon Gipson before having an extra point attempt blocked by senior Ranthony Texada to keep it a 28-12 contest.
Gipson led all runners in the game with 73 yards on 17 carries. Meanwhile, Thibodeaux threw for 201 yards, one touchdown and no picks after hitting on 21-of-38 attempts.
Much like Kimball's first touchdown, the Titans responded with a quick score of their own after Jordan hit junior receiver Kelly Cordova for a 23-yard touchdown. The 35-12 lead put Centennial in commanding position with just 7:08 left in the third quarter.
"What I liked most is how our defense played," Howard said.
The Titans then closed the game out with dominant defensive play that featured a quick three-and-out on Kimball's ensuing drive before the Knights turned the ball over on downs on three consecutive drives.
"I'm very happy with how we're playing," Howard said. "Our defense is pretty good and we expect our defense to carry us."
Centennial's special teams unit added another scoring play early in the fourth for good measure when senior kicker Austin Shoemake booted a 51-yard field goal for a 38-12 lead.
Shoemake's conversion allowed the Titans to come away from area-round meeting with a 26-point victory and advance to a matchup against Red Oak in a 7:30 p.m. contest tonight at Royse City.
"When you get into the playoffs no matter who you are playing, everyone is good," Howard said.
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