The Varsity Football team capped off an unforgettable night for the Centerville community on Friday. Before the game, Centerville and Fairmont High Schools celebrated their Spirit Chain competition, which raises money for charity. For the first time since 2006, the Elks won the Spirit Chain, raising a record-breaking $131,140 compared to Fairmont’s $98,166.20. While the Elks took home the trophy, both schools should be proud, as the real winners are the charities they supported.
With the Spirit Chain trophy in hand, the Elks football team took the field to finish the night in style. However, the game didn’t start well for Centerville. Just 12 seconds in, Fairmont scored an 80-yard touchdown, taking an early 7-0 lead. The Elks’ first drive didn’t go as planned, and they had to punt. Fairmont looked like they might score again, but the Centerville defense made a big stop on 4th down. Senior Leland Gantz then kicked a 49-yard field goal, cutting Fairmont’s lead to 7-3.
Fairmont responded with a 31-yard touchdown pass to go up 14-3 late in the first quarter. The Elks were driving, but a Fairmont interception near the goal line seemed to stop their momentum. However, the Elk defense quickly recovered a Fairmont fumble at the 1-yard line, and junior Parker Johnson ran it in for a touchdown. With 11 minutes left in the half, Centerville trailed 14-10.
Fairmont extended their lead to 21-10 with a strong run game, but Centerville wasn’t done. The Elks answered with an 80-yard drive, highlighted by a 45-yard reverse from junior Quincy Capogna. Parker Johnson scored his second touchdown of the night, and Centerville trailed 21-17 going into halftime.
The second half belonged to Centerville’s defense. After giving up 236 yards in the first half, the Elks held Fairmont to just 71 total yards until their final drive. The Elks took their first lead late in the third quarter when Johnson scored his third touchdown, making it 24-21.
Centerville’s defense forced two fumbles in the fourth quarter, and Johnson added his fourth touchdown with 2:36 left, giving the Elks a 31-21 lead. Fairmont scored a late touchdown, but the Elks held on for a thrilling 31-28 victory.
The win moves Centerville to 2-2 on the season and 1-0 in the Greater Western Ohio Conference (GWOC). The Elks are back in action next Friday against Springfield, hoping for another big win. Tickets are available online (no fees) at or at the gate, and the game will be streamed live at
We are expecting a great home crowd so get your tickets online to avoid long lines.
ELKS CELEBRATE SPIRIT CHAIN VICTORY AND FOOTBALL WIN
