Orphans get defensive to pick up playoff win at Triad

Posted By: dkinnard
October 29, 2022 @ 9:22 pm
Centralia, Football, Slider

Ryan Roddy
Section618.com

TROY – The Centralia Orphans forced five turnovers to help earn their first playoff win in six years, winning at Triad 27-14 Saturday afternoon in the first round of the 5A playoffs.

After a scoreless opening quarter and most of the second quarter, despite Centralia dominating time of possession and number of plays, the Orphans finally got on the board with 35 seconds left in the half on a 1-yard TD run from Amir Johnson. Centralia led 7-0 at the half.

After spending nearly all of halftime in the locker room, the Knights came out in the second half and got right to work.
Triad scored on the opening possession of the third as Jason Randoll took it in from 20 yards out to tie the game.

After a Centralia three and out, and Koen Rodebush returned a punt 52 yards for a touchdown, giving the Knights a 14-7 lead halfway through the third.

After another three and out by the Orphans, Triad got the ball back with a chance to go up two scores. Then the turning point–facing 3rd-and-3, the Knights fumbled the ball. Johnson picked it up and ran 50 yards to tie the game at 14 with 1:55 left in the 3rd quarter.

The Knights turned it over on their next possession as well with JehChys Brown recovering the fumble as the third quarter expired.

The Orphans regained the lead on a 2-yard TD run from quarterback Carson Green. The extra point was blocked, so Centralia led 20-14 early in the 4th.

After a Triad punt, Johnson gave the Orphans some cushion, going 60 yards for his third TD of the day, putting Centralia up 27-14. Johnson finished with 125 yards rushing on the day.

The Orphans’ defense sealed the deal with an interception late. Centralia held Triad to 218 total yards. The five turnovers forced came in the form of two interceptions from Cam Newcomb and a third from Marzeal Marshall, to go along with the two fumble recoveries by Johnson and Brown. Centralia also blocked a punt.

The Orphans improve to 6-4 and will host Morris in round two next Saturday at 3:00. The Redskins are 8-2 after beating LaSalle Peru 42-17 in round one.