Though Centralia wasn’t able to pick up its first win, the Tigers without a doubt had their best game of the season in a 28-12 loss to visiting Aberdeen on Friday in 2A Evergreen Conference play.
The Tigers’ defense surrendered 16 points to the Bobcats in the first quarter, then held them to 12 points the final three quarters.
“Our defense flew around and hit people all night and made Aberdeen work hard,” Centralia coach Jeremy Thibault said. “We’ve been preaching to them that they can do it and they finally believe it.”
The Tigers’ offense was also much improved, moving the chains all night and tallying 199 total yards to Aberdeen’s 256. But it was mishaps that stalled nearly every drive they put together: a false start on 3rd and 2, a snap over the quarterback’s head in the middle of a 40-yard drive and so on.
“We never had trouble moving the ball, which was a positive because we’ve been having trouble with that all year,” Thibault said. “But every possession ended badly.”
Tailback Chase Sobolesky, back for his second game this season, led the rushing attack with 12 carries for 93 yards and a touchdown. Gabe Seymour added 13 touches for 58 yards and a score. QB Landon Jenkins was 6 for 14 for 45 yards, while Rex Aikins hauled in three passes for 18 yards.
Thibault praised Akiens for picking off a pass and providing good run support from his cornerback position. Thibault also commended Seymour, Mikey Hoyt, Jenkins, Ariel Velasquez and Isaiah Vasquez for their contributions.
“They’re growing and our kids are playing hard,” Thibault said.
Centralia (0-6, 0-3 league) next travels to Hoquiam on Friday.
