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- Written by: Jeremy Chawgo - Breese Journal Sports Editor
That’s two — Central junior defensive end Bennett Becker tackles Freeburg quarterback Joe Carmack for a safety in the Cougars’ second-round, 42-7 win over the Midgets in Class 4A action. Becker had four tackles and two sacks in the victory. PHOTO BY JEREMY CHAWGO For the second time this season, the Central Cougars’ defense shut down the Freeburg Midgets’ rushing attack in a 42-7, IHSA second-round playoff game on Saturday at Robert J. Astroth Field in Breese.
Back in week four of the regular season, the Cougars handed the Midgets their lone regular-season loss of the season with a 49-0 triumph where FCHS had just 28 yards on the ground.
The playoff edition on Saturday saw the Cougars allow just one score late in the fourth quarter. Freeburg had just 39 yards on 31 carries for the day.
Meanwhile, Central sophomore quarterback Owen Kehrer was on his game with a 10-of-13 day for 252 yards and five touchdowns, all coming in the first 24 minutes.
“Our offensive line played great again today,” said Kehrer. “I think I got touched once or twice and the guys made great catches.”
With the victory, the Cougars advance to the quarterfinal for the third season in a row and their fourth in the past five seasons.
What a play — Central senior wide receiver Conlan Haar uses one hand to bring in one of his two touchdown catches in the Cougars’ 42-7, second-round victory over Brady Kerr and Freeburg on Saturday in the Class 4A State playoffs. PHOTO BY CRAIG HUEGEN “I’m really proud of these guys,” said Central head coach Brian Short. “A couple of years ago, it was man, how do we get to the next level. We are not taking this for granted at all, but to get here three years in a row. It’s a testament to the guys on the coaching staff and the hard work that our kids put in each and every week.”
They will now take on a talented Cahokia bunch that sits at 9-2 this season with losses to Lift For Life Academy and Sycamore. They feature powerful running back Donald Collier with 752 yards and 18 touchdowns this season.
Kickoff on Saturday is at 2 p.m.
As for Saturday’s win for the Cougars, the defense set the tone with Freeburg losing four yards on their opening drive which resulted in a three-and-out.
