Central Unbeaten with Dominant 69-15 Victory over Smiths Station

SMITHS STATION – The nationally ranked Central Red Devils showed no signs of faltering in their midweek road test against the Smiths Station Panthers.

After a steady start, Central's offense found its rhythm midway through the first quarter, with Tristan Williams capping off an 86-yard drive with a one-yard touchdown run, putting the Red Devils up 7-0.

That drive set the tone for the rest of the game, as Central (3-0) cruised to an overwhelming 69-15 win.

Smiths Station (0-3) looked to give their home crowd something to cheer for and showed flashes of promise throughout the game, but Central's depth and talent were simply too much to overcome.

Red Devils’ senior quarterback Andrew Alford was instrumental in leading his team with precision and confidence, proving to be a major obstacle for the Panthers.

Late in the first quarter, Alford connected with wide receiver Devin Smith on a perfectly timed slant pass, extending the lead to 14-0.

The Panthers then fumbled, giving Central excellent field position once again.

Williams capitalized on the opportunity with an impressive 33-yard touchdown run, pushing the lead to 21-0 by the end of the first quarter.

The Red Devils continued to pour on the points in the second quarter. Running back Donovon Crow added to the scoreboard with a five-yard touchdown run, and shortly thereafter, Alford kept the ball himself for a 10-yard rushing touchdown, increasing Central’s advantage to 35-0.

Smiths Station finally found a spark late in the second quarter, when quarterback Cohen Thomas punched in a one-yard keeper for the Panthers’ first score. A successful two-point conversion cut the deficit to 35-8, which remained the score at halftime.

Early in the third quarter, Thomas threw an interception that gave Central prime field position once again. Another quick touchdown put the Red Devils up 42-8, prompting the coaching staff to give sophomore quarterback Bobby Coleman some playing time.

Coleman quickly made his presence felt, delivering a pinpoint pass to Daylyn Upshaw in the corner of the end zone for a touchdown. Though the extra point was missed, Central still held a commanding 55-8 lead.

Sophomore tailback Jayshaun Woodhouse added another score, putting the Red Devils firmly in control at 62-8.

Smiths Station managed a late highlight, with Jaylen Huff breaking loose for a 40-yard touchdown run. However, the damage was done. Coleman would go on to throw his second touchdown pass of the night, sealing the 69-15 final score.

With the win, Central moves to 3-0 on the season and 1-0 in regional play.

Up next, they travel to face a formidable Dothan squad on Friday Sept. 13 at 8 p.m. EST/7 p.m. CST Dothan enters the matchup with a 2-0 record.