Central Rolls to 5-1, Faces Walker Friday

Wildcats Wiped Artificial Turf with Broncos, 45-28

by Woody Jenkins

ZACHARY — No. 12-ranked Cen-

tral High secured its position at the top of District 4-5A with a convincing 45-28 victory over Zachary Friday night at Bronco Stadium.

But the game was in doubt until early in the 3rd quarter when Wildcat safety Paul Broussard put it away for Central.

Central was leading 24-14 but Zachary was on the Wildcat five-yard line and appeared ready to score, which would have made the game a tight 24-21.

But Broussard scooped up a Zachary fumble and roared more than 90 yards for a Central touchdown.  Suddenly, the score was Central 31 and Zachary 14, instead of 24-21.  What a game-changer!

Broussard crossed the goal-line way ahead of his Bronco pursuers under the protection of a host of Wildcat defenders.  He looked strong but told coaches later than it felt like a Mack truck was on his back.

Broussard’s heroics were just part of a fine performance by the Central defense, coach Sid Edwards said.  He paid special tribute to John Milton, Ashton Stokes, Dalton Holdman, Tevaughn Lee, Tony Ragusa, and Thomas Eddlemon.

“The offensive line had its best game of the season,” coach Sid said.  He also mentioned Greg Noel who performed well on kickoffs, field goals, extra points, and punts.  Noel’s accuracy kept the ball away from Bronco Donald Gage, a Houston commitment who should never be allowed to touch the ball. Gage ended the game with zero returns, which brought smiles to the Central coaching staff.

Coach Edwards also mentioned Devon Gales, the wide receiver who not only catches the ball but is a ferocious blocker and makes a tremendous contribution.

During this Friday’s Central game at Walker, all eyes will be on Walker’s premiere running back Carlton Perkins, Mr. Everything and an SEC prospect.  A four-year starter who is 5’11, 195, he can be expected to give Central all it can handle.  Walker has a capable offense but will need a top-flight performance from its defense to stay with Central.  Both Central and Walker are the Wildcats.

Central goes into the Walker game with no major injuries.  Nevertheless, they are pretty banged up, as can be expected at this point in the season.

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Sizing Up District 4-5A. Central’s performance against Zachary left the Wildcats (5-1, 1-0) as the clear leader in District 4-5A.  Based on their records against non-district foes, the current standings would probably be 1. Central, 2. Denham Springs, 3. (tie) Scotlandville and Zachary, 5. Live Oak, and 6. Walker.  Coach Sid describes Denham Springs and Scotlandville as “ultra talented and large.”

Coach David Simoneaux. Coach Sid Edwards commended offensive coach David Simoneaux for a “masterful game plan” against Zachary and excellent play calling in the 1st quarter.  “It was our best 1st quarter this season,” he said.

HHH

Denham vs. Central on a Thursday. Mark your calendar.  Next week, Denham will come to Wildcat Stadium on Thursday, Oct. 18.  A rare Thursday game.

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College Prospects. It’s always difficult to predict who on the Central roster college scouts will take an interest in. Right now, some of the Wildcats being looked at are

• Brett Courville

• Lamonte Janeau

• Devon Gales

• Tony Ragusa

• Thomas Eddlemon, who is being recruited by Henderson State

• Jeremy Anderson, who is a prospect for Princeton.

• Tyler Abadie, Louisiana Tech

Two Wildcats who are not getting the attention they should from recruiters are Courville and Ragusa.  Both have what it takes to be outstanding at the next level.  Quarterback Courville is not the biggest or the fastest or the trickiest.  But he is a great field general who, time and again, engineers a victory.  He is a great prospect for football or baseball.

Linebacker Ragusa is as tough as nails and solid as solid as a rock.  Some fortunate college will wake up and sign him up.