DANVILLE, Ky. – Centre football snapped its recent skid and celebrated Homecoming with a 24-21 victory against Sewanee Saturday afternoon inside Farris Stadium.
 
The Colonels earned their first Southern Athletic Association win of the season, improving to 3-3 overall (1-3 SAA) with their 14th consecutive triumph over Sewanee. The visiting Tigers remain winless with an 0-6 record (0-4 SAA).
 
HIGHLIGHTS
- Sewanee marched 75 yards on 10 plays in just over five minutes to start the game, as Alex Darras connected with Micah Maes for a 20-yard touchdown pass. The ensuing point-after was blocked by Austin Mitchell.
- The Colonels had to punt on their first possession, but after forcing a three-and-out would quickly get the ball back. John Walton, starting his first game of the season, capped a five-play, 61-yard drive with a short touchdown pass to Hagen Ellis.
- The Tigers promptly answered with Brody Palmer's 23-yard field goal to regain the lead.
- A Colonel drive late in the second quarter was halted on an interception in the redzone, and the Tigers would carry a 9-7 advantage into the half.
- Receiving the opening kick in the third quarter, the Colonels quickly moved down the field, highlighted by a 31-yard pass from Walton to Corey Russell. Centre was held to a field goal, but Tanner South's 21-yard conversion gave Centre a 10-9 lead.  
- Following a takeaway for the Centre defense, Clark Payne found Ellis on the very next play for the senior tight end's second receiving touchdown, increasing the lead to 17-9.
- The Tigers wouldn't go quietly, putting together another lengthy drive consisting of 12 plays and 68 yards, capitalized on Darras' rushing touchdown on 4th and Goal. Cole McCarson batted down Darras' pass on the two point conversion.
- Centre turned the ball over early on its next possession, and Darras again found the end zone on the ground to regain the lead for Sewanee midway through the fourth quarter, 21-17.
- The Colonels were forced into a three-and-out on their next drive, but Jake Holloway pinned the Tigers on their own 9-yard line with a 48-yard punt. Centre's defense held serve with its own stop, and after a punt from Sewanee the home side was set up in enemy territory.
- Walton would go on to toss the go-ahead touchdown to rookie Christian Billiter on a 3rd and 10, with South's PAT making it 24-21.
- Centre's pressure on the final Sewanee possession was devastating, as the Colonel defense recorded three consecutive sacks put an end to the contest.
 
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE
- Centre out-gained Sewanee 341 to 290, getting 188 yards through the air and 153 on the ground. Walton threw for 132 of those 188, while Zarian Hunter Cure paced the running back group with 81 yards.
- Ellis, who switched to tight end last season, recorded the first two-touchdown performance of his career.
- Clayton Bell had a monster effort with three sacks, while Jaylen Jones, Ryan Smith and Austin Mitchell also got to the opposing quarterback. Keanan John and Andre Evans led all individuals with nine tackles apiece.
- As a unit, the Colonel defense held the Tigers to a mere 75 yards on 35 carries (2.1 yards per carry).
- Two of Holloway's three punts landed inside the Sewanee 20-yard line.
 
UP NEXT
Centre travels to face Hendrix next Saturday in Conway, Ark. The Warriors received votes in the latest American Football Coaches Association Top 25.