The varsity football team has shown what can happen when players and coaches come together, stay focused, and just do their jobs. Despite facing challenges like players transferring and a tough schedule, the Elks kept their heads down and worked hard. After a tough start to the season, going 1-2 in their first three games and 2-3 in their first five, the Elks rallied. They won five straight league games, even after losing their top receiver to injury. The season was capped off on Friday night with a big 38-14 win over rival Wayne on Senior Night, securing a share of the GWOC title for Centerville alongside Fairmont, a team the Elks beat 31-28 earlier in the season.
On Friday night, the Elks’ defense was a force, holding Wayne’s talented offense in check. The scoring started with Leland Gantz’s 38-yard field goal in the first quarter, putting Centerville up 3-0. Junior quarterback Shane Cole then ran in an 11-yard touchdown, making it 10-0. Wayne fought back, scoring just before halftime to make it 10-7. But in the second half, Centerville took control.
Sophomore Ziere Alston intercepted a Wayne pass early in the third quarter, setting up a huge 63-yard run by Shane Cole, leading to a 3-yard touchdown run by junior Parker Johnson. With a 17-7 lead, the Elks' defense stepped up, forcing two punts. As the third quarter ended, junior Ethan Ireland punched in a 1-yard touchdown, extending Centerville’s lead to 24-7.
Wayne scored again in the fourth quarter to make it 24-14, but the Elks weren’t done. They answered with another 50-yard drive, ending in a Parker Johnson touchdown, and soon after, senior Jackson Puckett grabbed another interception to give the Elks the ball back. Johnson capped off the game with his third touchdown, securing a 38-14 win.
Parker Johnson led the way with 140 rushing yards and three touchdowns, while Shane Cole had 123 rushing yards. The Elks' offensive line deserves credit for setting a tough, physical tone. Defensively, Jacob Taylor led with seven tackles, followed by Lucas Mullinger with six, and Mason Keely with four.
With a final record of 7-3 and a 6-1 GWOC mark, the Elks secured the #2 seed in Region 2 and will play Beavercreek at home this Friday at 7 p.m. for the first round of the playoffs. As a reminder, postseason games require a ticket purchased online at OHSAA’s website at or with cash at the gate, priced at $11 for adults and $5 for students. There are no passes for tournament games. The game will be streamed live for $10 at
VARSITY FOOTBALL SHINES ON SENIOR NIGHT, CLAIMS GWOC TITLE FOR 2ND YEAR IN A ROW
