After a rough game against Valle snapped their undefeated streak, the Central Park Hills Varsity Football team needed a big turnaround to find their footing. Now with an “L” on their record, the Rebels traveled to Fredericktown with a chip on their shoulder and something to prove. Park Hills pummeled the Blackcats into submission in a dominant 42-0 victory, as their offense couldn’t be stopped, while their defense put the game on lockdown.
It was a hot start for Central, as they took the opening drive in for a touchdown on the second play. That touchdown reception caught by Jobe Bryant surpassed his uncle, Aaron Bates, as Central’s all-time leader in receiving yards and is just three receptions shy of Bates’ total receptions record. He needed only 37 yards going into the game and that touchdown reception was for 44.
Bates, the previous record holder, had 2102 yards while hauling in passes from 2005-2007 from quarterbacks Ronnie Calvird, Tony Martin and CJ Bland.
Head Coach Kory Schweiss commented on Bryant’s career, “We knew this day would come as long as Jobe stayed healthy. If he stays healthy, he has a chance to make the mark so high that it will be unlikely to ever be broken again. He is also moving up the leaderboard on our all-time scoring list. He currently sits fifth all-time behind Dayshawn Welch, Drew Harlow, Jake Bridges and Tony Martin. It looks as though he will catch at least three of those this season and only be behind Welch with a full season to go next year. Those are some really big names in our program so that’s saying something.”
The game slowed after the opening drive, as Fredericktown was able to run a little clock and even forced a Central punt, something the Rebels have not done much this season.
However, the second quarter belonged to Central as Quarterback Casen Murphy was able to hit Kannon Harlow in the flat, taking it 58 yards for the score. Mason Williams added the extra point and made it 13-0 early in the second.
After a defensive stop, Bryant took a snap at quarterback and ran 42 yards untouched for his second touchdown of the game. The kick hit the upright, so Central’s lead was 19-0.
After a really good kick by Williams pinned Fredericktown back, Ty Schweiss made a one-handed pick-six. He had earlier made a tremendous one-handed diving interception that the officials deemed out of bounds, so it was nice to see him get the redemption. After that score, the Rebels decided to go for two, so Bryant ran it in to go up 27-0.
On the ensuing kickoff, Fredericktown had a good return, but a touchdown-saving tackle by kicker Williams preserved the shutout. Central’s defense again came up big to give the Rebels the ball with under two minutes to go, but with 70 yards in front of them.
It proved to be no big task for the Rebels as Murphy led them down the field, getting it to his playmakers and letting them work their magic. Caden Casey caught the first two passes for first downs and managed to get out of bounds. Then Bryant had a 26-yard catch and was also able to get out of bounds. Hakin Wagner added a 10-yard rush and after a timeout, with only 16 seconds to go, Murphy hit Harlow for his second catch and second touchdown of the game from 17 yards out. Bryant added the two-point run to make it 35-0 at the half.
Central started with the ball in the second half and quickly added their last points, which came on a 33-yard completion to Kendall Horton making it 42-0, which would prove to be the final score.
After that, the young guys from Central were able to hold Fredericktown at bay and even picked up a few first downs along the way.
Central’s defense was obviously outstanding as they pitched a shutout. Jaxon Jones again led the team in tackles with 10, but Triston Stewart and Ty Schweiss were just behind him with seven each. Central’s defensive line, led by Sammy Callaway, wreaked havoc all night giving the linebackers opportunities to make a lot of tackles. The secondary was outstanding again as they only allowed two receptions in the game. The defense also forced three turnovers, and with the interception return by Schweiss, they outscored their opponent’s offense for the third time.
Murphy had an outstanding game, throwing 18 times and completing 13 for three touchdowns. Casey led the receivers with six receptions for 77 yards. Bryant had three catches for 75 yards including a touchdown and a 42-yard rushing touchdown. Harlow made two catches for 75 yards including two touchdowns. Horton nabbed two receptions himself for 34 yards and a touchdown.
Now with a 6-1 record, and a new winning streak to build on, Park Hills will gear up for their Week 8 match-up against Dexter. Next Friday, October 14th, the Rebels will travel to Dexter in an effort to keep the momentum rolling as the season winds down. With the playoffs looming, they need every victory they can get if they hope to garner the second seed in Class 3 District 1.
