A big first half turned out to be the difference for the Warren Central Dragons Friday night. The Dragons scored all 30 of their points in the first half and then held off a ‘lean’ Todd County Central team 30-22 in Bowling Green. Injuries have taken a big toll on the Rebels over the last half of the season, leaving them with few reserves available for duty on game night.
The win ended a six-game losing streak for Warren Central.
Both teams had their offense fired up in the early going. The game started off on the wrong foot for the Rebels as Warren Central’s Walter Moore returned the opening kickoff 65 yards for a touchdown to put the Dragons up 8-0 just 10 seconds into the game.
However, the Rebels had some early fireworks of their own. Todd County Central took the ball right down the field and scored on a 3-yard run from Braylon Elderbrook with 10:37 to go in the quarter. Jamir Brewer scored the 2-point conversion and the game was tied 8-8.
Midway through the first, Elderbrook threw a 25-yard scoring pass to Mar’Shawn Fletcher and the Rebels took a 14-8 lead with still more than six minutes to go in the first.
Then it was the Dragons’ turn. Tavy Dunn ripped off a 21-yard touchdown run with 3:16 to go in the first quarter. With Javiyion Smith’s 2-point conversion, Warren Central took the lead back at 16-14.
Dunn scored again on the first play of the second quarter. This time it was a 33-yard touchdown run that put the Dragons up 22-14 with 11:53 to go in the half. In the final minute of the half, Dunn caught a 24-yard scoring pass from Dominique Anthony and, with the two-point conversion, Warren Central went into the break leading 30-14.
Todd County Central got back into the game midway through the third quarter. Braylon Elderbrook’s pass was deflected at the line of scrimmage but still found its way into the hands of Mar’Shawn Fletcher for a 9-yard touchdown. Elderbrook threw a pass to Aidan Bobbett to pick up the 2-point conversion and the Rebels were within 30-22 with 5:41 left in the third.
But that would be the end of the rally for the game as both defenses took over from there, allowing no more points the rest of the way.
Braylon Elderbrook had one of his best passing nights of the season going 15 of 24 for 250 yards with two touchdowns and one interception. Fletcher caught 5 of the passes for 100 yards and two scores.
Jamir Brewer led the Rebel rushing attack with 93 yards on 16 carries.
The Rebels had their chances in this one with two long drives that came up empty in the middle quarters of the game.
Todd County Central finishes the regular season at 2-8, having lost their last six games.
It will be a tough opener in the first round of the Class 2A playoffs for the Rebels as they travel to Mayfield next week. Thedefending state champion Cardinals finished the regular season 8-2 and have won six straight games.
