Published November 09, 2009 11:27 am - The Centerville Big Reds were defeated on Friday night during the quarterfinals of the state playoffs.
All great things have to come to an end
Despite a loss, Reds still hometown heroes — Pella advances to the dome, Reds finish season 11-1
By Julie Clark - Sports editor
The Centerville Big Reds were defeated on Friday night during the quarterfinals of the state playoffs.
The Reds fell to the Pella Dutch 24-20, ending their standout season.
Senior Tanner Susin rushed the ball 277 yards in 38 carries and scored three touchdowns for Centerville to finish his high school career.
With eight minutes left in the first quarter, Susin was able to break free and score on a 43 yard run for the first touchdown of the game. Thaler Carter’s kick was good and the Reds were up 7-0.
Pella kicked a field goal with 1:44 left in the quarter to get three points on the board.
In the second quarter Pella intercepted a pass for a touchdown and took the lead and the Reds would have to play catch up for the remainder of the game.
Susin scored from 25 yards out with less then a minute to go in the first half making the score 13-10. Two Pella plays later Jordan McCoy intercepted a pass and sent the team into the halftime break.
In the second half the Reds were in control with stong plays on both sides of the ball. They turned ball over on downs and Pella was able to capitalize with a touchdown to take the lead again 17-13 with 5:57 left in the third quarter.
In the fourth quarter a field goal attempt by Carter was no good and Pella took over. Pella then turned the ball over on downs and Centerville took over on the 48 yard line.
Susin carried the ball 39 yards for a touchdown and a PAT by Carter gave Centerville a 20-17 lead with 6:47 left in the game.
Pella countered a with huge pass and scored with 2:33 left to play. Centerville was left scrambling to get the ball down the field and were unsuccessful to finish the game and their season.
Mikey England had 63 yards in 12 attempts while Tyler Gray added 58 yards in 11 attempts.
Defensively the team was led by Blake McPherren and England with 12 tackles each, followed by Chris Schacher with 11 and Susin with 10.
The Big Reds finished their season 11-1.
With trophy in hand the Big Reds said a big deep thank you to the Centerville crowd that filled the stands and wrapped half way around the Pella field.