A Tradition Like None Other – 74th Meeting Central Wildcats and the Denham Springs Wildcats
Writer/Contributor for R/L Jo Eddlemon
Game Highlights:
It is a yearly game that brings out the competition between fans as well as players. From the social media post between fan clubs to the hype when the teams run out at game time, it is a rivalry that has spanned over 74 years. The annual rivalry brought Denham Springs over the Amite River Bridge to Wildcat Stadium on Friday night.
What looked to be a defensive game that lead to a 7-7 halftime game, took on a completely different look as Central put their foot on the gas pedal and never let off in the second half. Halftime adjustments by the Wildcats focused on a run pass option that featured a two back system and a quick strike passing attack. In the end, Central claimed the win over Denham Springs 34-7. The Wildcats now lead the series against Denham Springs 37-34-4
“The first half was a little shaky, the pressure may have been getting to us a little bit and then there was the interception. We regrouped and got back into the game plan and back to the run game.” stated Sophomore running back Kyle Veal II, ” Then we had the big touchdown right before halftime. We talked about it in the locker room and came back out the second half with the run game and the play action.” Check Out The Postgame Interview:
Veal scored two rushing touchdowns on the night for the Wildcats. “I got the ball and I saw the hole. Once I saw the hole, I hit it and I just said if I am this close to the endzone no one is going to stop me from getting in. The second touchdown was the same. I was stopped at the one yard line on the second touchdown but I told my quarterback, give me the ball! My quarterback and I both knew I was going to get it across the goal line.” stated Veal.
Running Back Glen Cage, Central
Running back Glen Cage was big in the rushing game for the Wildcats. “We knew we could execute better and make plays. We got hyped up and did just that,” stated Cage. Cage finished the game with 167 yards rushing on 21 carries and two touchdowns, one being a 75 yard pass/run in the second quarter to tie the game at 7 all.
Senior Quarterback Jonathan Swift II, Central
Senior quarterback Jonathan Swift used both his strong arm and mobile ability to push the ball up the field effectively for the Wildcats. Swift ended the night with 102 yards rushing on 14 carries, 5 for 7 passing for 141 yards, 2 passing touchdowns, and one interception. Check Out The Postgame Interview:
“We felt that Denham was controlling the tempo in the first half. We came back out the second half and took advantage of the opportunities we had in the second half. Our guys have all heart and they showed it tonight on the field.” stated Sid Edwards, Head Coach for the Wildcats.
Denham Springs finished the night with 103 yards of offense.
Raydrian McKneely led the Yellow Jackets with 64 yards on 17 carries.
Tale Of The Tape:
Denham takes the ball down the field and looks to settle for a field goal but it is blocked by the Wildcats.
Swift’s pass is intercepted by Denham’s Mason Edwards and Edwards returns it 28 yards for a pick 6 for the Yellow Jackets. 0-7 Denham Springs 11:51 left in first half.
Glen Cage goes off left side and down the sideline as he takes the ball 75 yards for a Wildcats touchdown right before the half to tie the score at 7 All. 1:35 left before halftime.
Swift with a 48 yard touchdown pass to Jarien Brown at the 10:02 mark in the 3rd quarter to move the score to 13-7 Central. (Extra point no good)
Tyler Heil returns a Yellow Jacket punt 50 yards and to the 18 yard line, Kyle Veal II takes the handoff and goes 18 yards rumbling, bumbling and plowing through tacklers on his way into the endzone. 20-7 7:45 left in third quarter.
Glen Cage adds another Wildcat touchdown on a 11 yard run with 2:48 left in the third period – 27-7
#20 Jariaus Jarvis with a Wildcat interception gives the ball back to the offense
Kyle Veal II adds the last score of the night with a 1 yard carry for a touchdown to extend the score to 34-7 Final Score.
