Cinderella Central: A Season to Remember

Central Never Gave Up in Heartbreaking Loss to Ruston

CENTRAL — While still emotional about the Central Wildcats’ narrow 28-19 loss Friday night to Ruston in the State 5A Regional Championships, Central Coach Doug Dotson and his Wildcat team have begun to savor the success they had this season — winning their 4th straight District 5A Championship, winning the Bi-District Championship, and making history by becoming the first 5A team ranked 32nd to defeat the No. 1-ranked team.  Central defeated No. 1-ranked St. Paul in the first round of the playoffs.

Central was in the Ruston game until the very end.  It missed multiple opportunities — a lost fumble on the 1-yard line, a missed interception, a missed pass that could have been a touchdown, and a couple of questionable penalties.

“We really can’t blame the kids.  There are going to be mistakes, and the guys who made the mistakes were the same guys who performed heroics in this game and in the last five straight victories.  The bottom line is, sometimes you get the breaks in these games and sometimes you don’t.  We got the breaks in the last five games, but the other team got them this week,” he said.

Dotson said this Central team takes its place as one of Central’s all-time greatest teams.  “You won’t find many teams in this state or anywhere else that has the kind of toughness, determination, and work ethic that this team has,” he said.  “I am so proud of them.  They have true character, and they proved it in every game.”

“What this group of Wildcats did in defeating St. Paul should never be forgotten. They epitomize ‘Central Fight,’ and should be a role model for other teams in the future,” he said.

“This lost was very tough for our kids.  They are not losers and they hate to lose.  I know that this experience will help them to become great men in the future.”

All-District selections will be announced soon.  Central’s candidates include seniors Zack Evans, Joey Jarreau, Zach Hetrick, Logan Metcalf, and Alex Frank.  Sophomore Gary Triplett is a sure All-District bet as a kickoff return specialist.

— By Woody Jenkins