Ryan Roddy
Section618.com

CENTRALIA — The Centralia Orphans overcame a sluggish start to keep their playoff hopes alive with a 14-7 win over rival Mt. Vernon.

The first half at Evers Field Friday night was as ugly as the weather. The two teams combined for 28 yards of offense in the first half, 27 of those from Mt. Vernon. The lone score of the half came when the Orphans fumbled near their own goal line, and a Rams player was there to pick it up and step in for the easy score.

The rain stopped in the second half, and Centralia was able to get back on track. Sophomore Elijah Johnson got Centralia on the board halfway through the 3rd quarter with a 7-yard touchdown run. It was 7-7 after three quarters.

It stayed that way until Orphans senior Caleb Wright ran one in from eight yards out to give Centralia the lead. It turned out to be the game winning score as the Orphans held on for the victory.

Johnson finished with 110 yards on 15 carries to lead the Orphans, who improve to 4-4 on the season. Centralia will travel to Collinsville next Friday night to close out the regular season. The Orphans must win to get into the postseason.

The Rams fall to 0-8. They will close their season Friday night at 6-2 Chester.