Festus, Mo. (KFMO) - The Central Rebels pulled off a come-from-behind win on Friday night, defeating the Jefferson Blue Jays in overtime, 21-20.
Both Central (2-0) and Jefferson (1-1) routed their Week 1 opponents, setting the stage for an interesting Week 2 showcase. After getting the ball to begin the game, the Rebels struck first, a 56-yard screen pass from Brody Pigg to Devin Graf that put the Rebels up 6-0.
Despite Central being able to push the ball against the Jefferson defense, the Rebels still had problems with turnovers. One of those turnovers eventually led to Jefferson's first and only touchdown of the first half, a 5-yard touchdown run for Cooper Frisk that tied the game up at 6-6, That would be the score at the half.
The Rebels' turnover problem almost cost them the game in the second half, as a Pigg interception turned into a 40-yard pick-six for Logan Vandeven, putting Jefferson in front 14-6. However, Central was able to finally break through, with Pigg redeeming himself with a 1-yard touchdown run to help the Rebels tie things back up at 14.
Central did get a chance to win the game just before the end of regulation, but a Graf field-goal try went wide left, sending the game to overtime.
Only one overtime was needed to decide the game, but that didn't mean there was a lack of excitement. Jefferson steadily advanced toward the endzone, with Frisk pushing his way for another touchdown run. However, the 2-point try failed, leaving the door open for Central.
After struggling to advance the ball, and facing a potentially game-ending 4th-and-6 on the 22-yard line, the Rebels went deep into the playbook, a double-pass from Pigg to fellow quarterback Braden Patterson, who then found a wide open August Black in the endzone to tie the game at 20. Graf's PAT try fell through the uprights, giving Central a wild 21-20 victory.
Central remains undefeated for the year at 2-0. Both teams will face off against the Blackcats this coming Friday. Central hosts Fredricktown on AM1240, KFMO, while Jefferson stays in Festus to take on Herculaneum.
