By Logan Andrew | FreeWire — Your News, Your Voice
Colonel Crawford delivered one of the most impressive victories in program history Friday night, overwhelming top-seeded Centerburg 42–13 on the road to punch its ticket to the Division VI Region 23 final. The Eagles (12-1) rode a ruthless rushing attack, a big-play passing game, and a suffocating defense to send the Trojans (10-2) home and set up a Week 14 showdown with West Jefferson.
Early Momentum: Baker’s Legs Set the Tone
Senior quarterback Peyton Baker wasted no time establishing control. On the Eagles’ second possession, he tucked the ball and sprinted six yards for the opening touchdown. A few minutes later, he bounced outside for an eight-yard score, giving Colonel Crawford a 14–0 lead at halftime. Both runs capped disciplined, run-heavy drives that ground down the Trojans’ front and energized the visiting fans.
Third-Quarter Surge: McMichael Takes Over
After the break, star running back Connor McMichael blew the game wide open. Less than two minutes into the third quarter, he snuck out of the backfield and hauled in a 58-yard touchdown pass from Brayden Holt. McMichael followed that highlight with punishing touchdown runs of two and 21 yards, and suddenly the Eagles were up 35-7. Late in the fourth quarter, junior fullback Dom Dean added a two-yard plunge to cap the scoring.
Centerburg got on the board with quarterback Blane Ball’s 28-yard keeper and a 3-yard touchdown pass to Miles Marshall in the final minute, but by then the outcome was long decided.
By the Numbers: Domination on the Ground
Colonel Crawford’s offense was both balanced and explosive. The Eagles rolled up 510 total yards, including 320 rushing yards and 190 passing yards. Centerburg managed 290 yards but was held to just 106 on the ground as Colonel Crawford’s front seven controlled the line of scrimmage.
| Team Stat | Colonel Crawford | Centerburg |
|---|---|---|
| First Downs | 17 | 12 |
| Rushing Yards | 36 carries, 320 yards | 17 carries, 106 yards |
| Passing | 6 of 7 for 190 yards | 19 of 27 for 184 yards |
| Total Offense | 510 yards | 290 yards |
| Turnovers | 1 lost fumble | 1 interception |
Individually, McMichael stole the show with 201 rushing yards on 23 carries and three total touchdowns. Baker powered his way for 107 rushing yards on eight carries and two scores. Through the air, Holt went 4-for-5 for 148 yards while Baker added 2-for-2 for 42 yards. McMichael (two receptions for 72 yards), Jacob Cochran (one for 58) and John DeGray (two for 42) all made key catches.
What They Said
Head coach Jake Bruner credited the win to selflessness and physicality. “There are too many kids on our team that sacrificed everything about them for everyone else,” he said. Bruner praised his quarterbacks for embracing their roles and highlighted the offensive and defensive lines: “Our offensive and defensive lines just wore them down tonight.”
He also singled out younger contributors and noted that receiver Parker Weithman, despite being on pace to break every school receiving record, urged the staff to keep running the ball.
Bruner said the game plan focused on stopping the run and preventing deep passes. “We moved Parker Weithman to the corner [on defense] because of [Centerburg’s] speed… It was all about the unselfishness of our kids,” he explained. The strategy worked — Weithman even intercepted a pass in the end zone.
Centerburg coach Andy Colella tipped his cap to the Eagles. “We knew they had an explosive offense… We game-planned to take away [Weithman], and they ran the football really well tonight,” he said. Colella added that his team has plenty to be proud of after its 10-2 season and deep playoff run.
What’s Next
Colonel Crawford improved to 12-1 and will face West Jefferson (11-1) next Friday on a neutral field with a regional championship — and a state semifinal berth — on the line. After knocking off the region’s top seed in convincing fashion, the Eagles will enter that matchup brimming with confidence.
Editor’s Note:
FreeWire compiles its high school football coverage using information gathered from multiple sources, including live reports, official stat sheets, media partners, and postgame interviews. Every effort is made to ensure accuracy; however, occasional discrepancies in statistics or details may occur. If you notice an error or wish to provide verified information, please contact us at freewiremag@gmail.com or message the FreeWire Facebook page.
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