The Elks Varsity football team continued their impressive postseason run with a commanding 42-7 victory over Dublin Coffman in the OHSAA Regional Semi-Final Friday night at Springfield High School. With the win, the Elks advanced to the Regional Finals for the third time in school history, improving their record to 10-3 on the season.
From the opening kickoff, the Elks made their intentions clear. Sophomore Ziere Alston electrified the crowd by taking the kickoff 93 yards to the end zone, giving Centerville a 7-0 lead just 11 seconds into the game. The Elks’ defense quickly forced a punt, setting the stage for the offense to shine.
Junior quarterback Shane Cole led the charge, orchestrating a balanced attack that showcased the Elks' versatility. Junior running back Parker Johnson powered through the defense on Centerville’s first offensive possession, capping a dominant drive with a 24-yard touchdown run to extend the lead to 14-0 with 3:57 left in the opening quarter.
The Elks’ defense, relentless all night, forced another three-and-out. Cole then connected with sophomore Soren Vitas on a 40-yard touchdown pass, closing the first quarter with Centerville leading 21-0.
Dublin Coffman, led by senior A. Valerio-Hudson, who is set to play for Army at West Point next fall, struggled to find their footing. Their lone offensive highlight came in the second quarter when they drove to Centerville’s 1-yard line. However, the Elks' defense delivered a goal-line stand, stifling any hope of a Shamrock comeback.
Centerville capitalized on the momentum with a 97-yard scoring drive, highlighted by Cole’s 40-yard touchdown pass to Ryan Swanson. The Elks entered halftime firmly in control, leading 28-0.
The second half mirrored the first, as Centerville’s defense and offense continued to dominate. Alston added his second touchdown of the night on a 4-yard run midway through the third quarter, initiating a running clock with a 35-0 lead. Junior Ethan Ireland sealed the scoring for the Elks with a 6-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter.
While Dublin Coffman managed a late touchdown in the final minute, the game was long decided.
Cole led a near-flawless offensive performance, completing all 11 of his passes for 230 yards and two touchdowns. Johnson anchored the ground attack with 16 carries for 131 yards and a touchdown, while Alston’s contributions on both sides of the ball continue to elevate the Elks’ dynamic play.
Defensively, Centerville held Coffman in check, allowing just one late score and solidifying their status as a playoff powerhouse. The Elks have given up an average of just 8 points per game during their eight-game winning streak.
The Elks now turn their attention to the All-GWOC Regional Final against the Wayne Warriors on Friday, November 22. The game will kick off at 7 p.m., with the site to be announced.
Tickets will be available starting Monday at .