The Centreville Varsity squad hosted the Robinson Rams on Friday night and fell to break their four-game winning streak with a final score of 14 to 7. The Wildcat Defense Mechanism was, again, a major factor in the game. They scored the only Wildcat touchdown and held the Rams to just two touchdowns.

The air was thick with humidity and the turf was damp with dew as Wildcats and Rams took the field. Centreville won the toss and deferred their reception ’til the second half of the game. With a big kick into the end zone and an automatic touchback, the Robinson squad took possession of the football and a quick lead in the game. Eating up almost a full five minutes of game time the Rams enter the end zone and earn 7 points at the end of their first drive down the field.

Drive Disrupted

Then a game of ping-pong began – Cats run and punt. Rams try and punt. Cats again, then the Rams have the ball. You can feel the ground shake as the Wildcat Defense Mechanism is hammering the Robinson offense. Now, don’t get the wrong idea – the Ram offense is a well regarded group of football players. They have some talent, experience, and strength. After their first surprising drive the Robinson squad can see little light at the other end of the field. It’s Big Play time. With the ball on the 15 yard line and on the third down of this drive, the Ram quarterback loads-up his passing arm and sends the football into the air. SMACK! The pass is disrupted by the Wildcat defense. The ball bounces behind the quarterback, just yards from the goal line. Brett Miller and Donnell Carpenter leap for the ball when Carpenter scoops it up and carries it into the end zone for a Wildcat touchdown! While heartbeats are still racing Kevin Maslyn boots the ball between the uprights for a crisp extra point. With 11-seconds left in the first quarter, Centreville has tied-up the game with 7 points glowing on both sides of the scoreboard.

Robinson gains possession of the ball after another Centreville kick enters the end zone for a touchback. From the 20 yard line, Rams are methodically working their way down the field. This is a good offense, and they struggle against the Wildcat Defense Mechanism with big plays by Darryl Hamilton, Jamey McClendon and Donnell Carpenter. Rams have moved the ball down the field and find themselves just 33-yards from another touchdown. Under pressure, their quarterback fires the ball into the air where Calder Street leaps above his opponents and grabs an interception. The clock displays 8:54 still to play in the second quarter as the Wildcat offense takes possession of the ball at the 24 yard-line. The ‘Cats eat-up some clock as they work their way to the 4 yard line. Just steps away from a touchdown the ball is fumbled and Robinson recovers. The teams exchange possession for the remainder of the quarter with no change in the score. The first half of the contest ends with the score tied, Centreville 7, Robinson 7.

Half Time Entertainment

Half time was a cherished relief for the Centreville defense, providing them a chance to catch their breath after their gnarly handling of the Rams during the first-half. As the players took a break the Half Time Show began, hosted by CVHS Director of Student Activities Jimmy Sanabria. Activities began with the introduction of the SYA Player of the Week, quarterback Mitch Mahoney, who will be attending CVHS next year and has had a great season with 7 touchdown passes (including a 52-yarder). Mitch was presented with a t-shirt by Mr. Sanabria and a medallion-and-ribbon by Jarrod Wronski of SportsAnnouncing.com. Mitch’s favorite treat? He was surrounded by the Varsity Cheerleading squad and was the center of attention for a quick “photo op” (click here to see that). Immediately after the award ceremony the Wildcat Marching Band took the field (pics here) followed by the Wildcat Dance Team (yep, more pics).

The Bitter Half

Wildcats receive the kick to begin the second half of the game. Their drive ends quickly with a punt. As the Ram offense takes possession of the ball, you could almost feel the ground shake as the Wildcat Defense Mechanism rolls onto the field. They are ready to battle after a little half-time breather. On the third play of the Robinson drive, the football flies through the air and into a twisted tangle of airborne Wildcat and Ram colors when Courtlan Whiting emerges with the football firmly in his grasp. A beautiful interception disrupts a touchdown attempt just 15-yards from the end zone. The Centreville offense takes possession of the ball. They take the ball four downs and punt. Then Robinson does the same thing. Ping pong, ping pong as both squads continue the four-and-punt routine through the remaining time in the third quarter, which ends with the score still tied, Centreville 7, Robinson 7.

The Varsity Cheerleaders kick-off the fourth quarter by declaring Katelyn Greer the Fan of the Game. Katelyn is awarded a full pizza pie from Dominos and shares it with her Class of 2008 classmates. On the field Centreville has the ball. Again, they go four-and-punt. Rams take the ball and appear to be gaining some momentum when the Wildcat defense knocks the wind out of them. Donnell Carpenter sacks the Robinson quarterback forcing them into a punt situation. On the kick, confusion and a misstep allow the Rams to recover the ball and maintain possession. This begins a long, long Robinson possession with the Wildcat Defense Mechanism working hard to hold them back. And working. And working. After ten plays and almost four, full minutes of game time the Rams attempt a field goal. No good! The ball bounces off the right-side goal post and helplessly to the ground.

Centreville’s defense runs to the sideline to catch their breath as the offense takes possession of the ball at their own 20 yard line. First down, second down, third and then punt. Defense rockets back onto the field to battle the Ram offense. You can’t play any harder than the Wildcats’ Defensive Mechanism – they battled hard, contributed a number of turnovers and scored the only Centreville touchdown. It’s been a long game for these guys.

Time Flies

With just 2:11 remaining to play in the game the Robinson squad starts moving the ball from the 48 yard line. Quickly. Using just 28-seconds of game time, they score a touchdown on the third play of their drive. Their extra point is good and the score is now Robinson 14, Centreville 7.

The clock displays 1:51 left in the second half as the Wildcat offense takes the field. With the ball at their own 15 yard line, the squad struggles through incomplete passes and a sack. After just four Centreville plays, Robinson takes over possession of the ball on downs. Tick-tock, tick-tock as the Rams take the ball with just over one-minute of game time remaining. They maintain possession and eat-up those 66-seconds of game time. Centreville falls to their first defeat since the first game of the season with the final score Robinson 14, Centreville 7.

You’ve Been Framed!

We have two photo galleries ready for visitors—one of game action and another full of half-time activities. Click here to see the game gallery, and then click this to see the Half Time Show. Stay tuned for more photos from the Robinson game, plus additional galleries from recent Wildcat victories. We’re working hard to deliver – just takes a bit of time!