EVCO 2A Black Hills keeps playoff hopes alive with win over Centralia

10/14/2022

Black Hills 41, Centralia 14

(Tumwater, WA) Black Hills came into Friday’s game with a 1-2 league record and needing a win against the 0-4 Centralia Tigers to keep their hopes of getting into the playoffs alive. After starting 3-0 the Wolves have lost their last 2 games and were looking to right the ship with some much needed help from players coming off injuries. The Tigers were coming off their first scoreless game of the year were trying to get the offense back on track.

Centralia started the game with a good return from Erick Matias to the Tigers 49 yard line. The offense showed their aggression early going for it on 4th but coming up short on a 4th down pass from quarterback Tommy Billings. Black Hills first possession started out good but 3 offensive penalties stalled the drive and Wolves punter Tanner Parkinson would hit a nice punt that would just roll into the endzone for the touchback.

Centralia took over at their own 20 and were driving until a high snap over Billings head ended the drive. The Wolves got great field position at the Tiger 21 yard line and 4 plays later it was quarterback Jaxsen Beck running it in from 10 yards out with 28 seconds to go in the 1st quarter, Tanner Parkinson kicked the PAT and it was 7-0.

The Tigers would respond and go on an 8 play drive all on the ground with Kellen Rooklidge and Gabe Seymore switching off rushing duties but it was Tommy Billings pushing it in from one yard out to tie the game at 7.

That score seemed to wake the Wolves up as they would score on their next 2 drives. The first a 28 yard connection between Beck and receiver Maddox Hodge and the 2nd a 42 yard bomb to Koby Bell to put Black Hills up 21-7 with 2 minutes to go in the first half. That is how it would stand going to the break.

Black Hills started the 2nd half with a 9 play three and a half minute drive ending in a Jaxsen Beck 6 yard touchdown run. Centralia’s first drive of the half would end with Tanner Parkinson getting an interception at the Tigers 35 yard line. The Wolves would strike quick with Johnnie Stallings taking a screen pass on 2nd down 33 yards to the house for the 35 to 7 lead. On the Wolves next possession Tanner Parkinson had a punt that would pin the Tigers back at the 1 yard line.

Centralia almost went 3 and out but back to back defensive penalties would give them a first down. Three plays later the Tigers were ready to punt and booted the ball away but was muffed and recovered by Centralia right on the 50 yard line. The Tigers still couldn’t take advantage and would turn the ball over on downs 4 plays later.

Black Hills running back Jacob Weller would end the Wolves next drive with a one yard touchdown run the PAT was missed making it 41-7 Black Hills with 7:23 to go in the 4th. Centralia’s next drive would be a balanced 7 play drive that ended with the Wolves Tanner Parkinson getting his 2nd interception of the game earning him our Thorbecke’s MVP of the Game.

The Tigers would show no quit forcing a fumble on Black Hills first play of the drive and 5 plays later it was Billings again scoring for Centralia this time from 3 yards out for the 41-14 final score.

Black Hills goes to 2-2 in EVCO 2A play with the 2-2 Shelton Highclimbers coming to town next week. Centralia is now 0-7 on the season with a non league game against Hoquiam on tap.