Rebels advance with commanding win

PARK HILLS – Seven different players got into the endzone for the Central football team Friday night during its 68-26 victory over New Madrid in the Class 3, District 1 opening round.

The first quarter really set the tone for the Rebels, as they were able to build a comfortable 34-0 lead.

Junior running back Triston Campbell played a large role in the first quarter, racking up 170 yards and three touchdowns.

Nick Haney also helped with the early effort, catching a 34-yard touchdown pass, and returning an interception 55 yards for another score.

New Madrid’s first score came early in the second quarter on a 72-yard touchdown pass from Brock Blakey to Jacob Keene.

The Eagles’ points seemed to knock Central’s offense off rhythm, as the Rebels were called for four different penalties on the following possession.

Central’s spark was ignited soon after when Matt Richardson broke through an arm tackle and found the endzone on a 20-yard touchdown reception.

New Madrid got excellent field position after Craig Beasley recovered a muffed punt on the Central 25-yard line.

The Eagles then went for it on fourth down, which resulted in another touchdown from Blakey to Keene, this time going for 25 yards.

Nearing the end of the half, New Madrid had the ball at its own goal line, trying to score before time ran out.

Ezra Sidebottom of Central had other plans though, as he dived on a wild snap and recovered it in the endzone for a touchdown.

The second half started off well for the Rebels, as sophomore Tyler Murray broke off for a 40-yard touchdown run on the first play of the half.

The Eagles were still fighting though, moving the ball down field and getting a 5-yard rushing touchdown from Beasley.

They also started off the fourth quarter with a big 53-yard touchdown rush from JaMonte Sykes.

Tyreece Welch rushed for 131 yards and a touchdown while quarterback Jace Bland threw for 59 yards and two scores.

Tyler Murray added 53 yards on the ground, and Tanner smith had 39 more, including a touchdown.

New Madrid was led offensively by quarterback Brock Blakey, who had 155 yards and two touchdowns through the air.

Central is now 9-1 overall, and will host the Potosi Trojans next Friday after beating them 33-7 earlier in the season.

Central senior Nick Haney drags down New Madrid’s Jacob Keene just before the end of the first half in Friday night’s district playoff game. 

Central junior Tanner Smith looks to break a tackle and turn up-field in the fourth quarter against New Madrid Friday night.