ELYRIA — Centerburg scored the first two touchdowns in the first quarter of its final nonconference game of the year at Elyria Catholic on Friday, but a punt-return touchdown sparked the host Panthers to outscore the Trojans 40-7 the rest of the way for a 40-21 victory.
Centerburg (2-1) had difficulty running the ball after two straight games of over 200 yards. The Trojans ran 30 times for 94 yards against Elyria Catholic, so QB Tyler Stoyle had to provide most of the offense. He delivered a 21-of-51 performance through the air for 236 and two touchdowns.
Panther RB Justin Taylor had his way with the Centerburg defense most of the night. He ran 18 times for 232 yards and two touchdowns, and caught a pass for another TD. QB Jeremy Holley threw for three scores and 159 yards despite a lackluster percentage, 13-of-33. Elyria Catholic might have done more if not for 14 penalties for 145 yards.
Jeremy Sesma scored the first touchdown for the Trojans, a 34-yard run with 9:29 to play in the first quarter for a 7-0 lead. Stoyle and Jake Stewart linked up for a 47-yard TD pass with 7:30 to play, and it looked as if Centerburg might dominate. But, stalled on their next drive, the Trojans punted to Connor Riddel, who evaded the Centerburg special teams for a 70-yard punt return and a 14-7 deficit.