CENTERVILLE, Ohio – After the teams amassed 782 combined yards of offense, Friday night’s GWOC Central showdown between Centerville and Beavercreek came down to a last minute defensive stop.
Trailing 35-28 with less than a minute remaining in the game, the Beavers final effort to send the game to overtime was unsuccessful as Centerville defensive back Austin Hanes intercepted a pass in the end zone to seal the victory for the Elks.
“Things started off a little rough in the first half,” Centerville linebacker Adam Hensley said. “We made some adjustments. I think this is the most emotional that we’ve been all year. We really wanted to make that stop.”
Beavercreek began the game with some trickery, as it successfully recovered an onside kick on the opening kickoff.
Moments later, the Beavers took an early 7-0 lead as running back Tim Bradshaw wrapped up the opening drive with a 1-yard touchdown run.
Centerville wasted little time answering the score. Less than two minutes later, Elks quarterback Jacob Harrison scrambled in from five yards out to tie the game at seven.
After Bradshaw scored his second touchdown of the game, the Elks responded as Harrison connected with Dominic Ashburn on a 35-yard touchdown pass.
Beavercreek and Centerville would continue to trade touchdowns through the third quarter.
With the game tied at 28 with less than six minutes remaining in the game, Harrison and Ashburn would connect once again for the game winning touchdown from 36-yards out.
“I’m really proud of our defense stepping up,” Hensley said. “We have a bunch of young guys, they’re making steps forward every week and I’m proud of them.”
Behind their triple option offense, the Beavers dominated time of possession, 36:07 to 11:53. They also outgained Centerville, 487-295, with 442 of those yards coming on the ground.
Jacob Harrison, a transfer from Chaminade-Julienne, tallied 187 yards passing, 44 yards rushing, and four total touchdowns for the Elks.
“He’s really a leader by example,” Hensley said. “He does everything right, he’s respectful to our coaches. He earned his spot and we look to him to lead.”
Hensley, who is committed to play for Dana Holgorsen and the West Virginia Mountaineers, tallied 14 tackles for Centerville.
Tim Bradshaw was a workhorse for the Beavers, carrying the ball 38 times for 260 yards and two touchdowns.
Next week, Centerville will look to remain undefeated in conference play as they host Springfield.
“We just need to go back to the basics and stay humble,” Hensley said. “Nothing will happen on it’s own. We know we have to make it happen if we want to win the GWOC title.”
Beavercreek will face another tough test as they host undefeated Wayne.
