Legacy stays on track with Centennial win

Jummel Hidrosollo / Special to the Home News

Centennial defensive back Nick Waters, center, attempts to take down Legacy’s Prince Oroke during Friday’s homecoming game at Legacy High School.

By Sean Ammerman (contact)

Saturday, Sept. 20, 2008 | 1:10 a.m.

Centennial’s 33-14 loss at Legacy on Friday may go down as the most disappointing games of the season for the Bulldogs -- but it suited Legacy just fine.

After leading 14-0 late in the second quarter, Centennial (2-2, 0-1) gave up 33 unanswered points and its first Northwest Division game.

The difference between the first-half Bulldogs, which had 136 yards of offense, and the second-half Bulldogs, which totaled less than 70 yards, baffled Centennial coach George Baker.

“Legacy wanted it more in the second half,” Baker said. “We thought we had things in control for the first half and we were feeling pretty good. Hats off to Legacy. They played a great second half.”

Legacy (4-0) went from 99 yards in the first two quarters to a potent 187 yards in the second half.

Legacy senior Prince Oroke led all rushers with 129 yards on the ground.

The victory brought the Longhorns, which never have had a winning season, to 4-0 for the first time in the school’s three-year history.

“I told them at halftime that we’ve been through two years of being the little guys and being a junior varsity team playing varsity teams,” Legacy coach David Snyder said. “I said now it’s time to be men. To play in this division you have to be a man.”

Legacy took advantage of turnovers, converting three of Centennial’s into touchdowns.

As the Bulldogs became more pass-oriented in the second half, the Longhorns’ defense countered with four sacks.

On Centennial’s first drive, quarterback Chris Henderson connected with Steven Wicker for a 10-yard touchdown reception.

Henderson finished the game with 10 completions on 14 attempts for 81 yards.

After holding Legacy again on its next possession, Centennial increased its lead to 14-0 with a 13-yard touchdown run from Henderson with 7 minutes, 40 seconds remaining.

Legacy stole the momentum before halftime when when running back Deshae Edwards threw a 36-yard touchdown reception to Demetrius Hughes with 41 seconds left in the half.

“That put us on the scoreboard and helped us out in the second half and put up some more points,” Edwards said. “We’re really feeling something good with this team and I think we can make it to the playoffs this year.”

Quarterback Zach Monticelli tied the game midway through the third quarter with a 1-yard sneak.

Oroke gave Legacy the lead in the fourth quarter after a 7-yard touchdown run.

Chances of a Centennial comeback were dashed when on their next drive, Longhorn’s safety Evan Blanner returned an interception 30 yards for a touchdown.

Oroke added a 31-yard rushing score with 3:48 remaining to put the game out of reach.