JOURNAL SPORTS
FORT WORTH, Texas – The Centenary football team recorded a 34-27 exhibition game victory over the Mary Hardin-Baylor junior varsity squad Monday evening at Castleberry High School.
The Gents scrimmaged both Millsaps and East Texas Baptist last month in what were part situational style scrimmages followed by live action for two quarters but Monday’s contest was a live game with four quarters.
The Gents, led by head coach and Shreveport native Byron Dawson, have made their historic return to the gridiron this season for the first time since 1941. Centenary has eight contests remaining this fall – three at home and five on the road – playing an exhibition slate for the developing program before games become official in the 2024 season.
Centenary returns to action on Saturday in Shreveport with a 6 o’clock kickoff against Community Christian College at Evangel Christian Academy – Dawson’s alma mater. The Maroon and White will then play host to John Melvin University a week later at 6 p.m. and welcomes the Haywood Crushers on Sept. 30 at 1 p.m., with both games also at Rodney Duron Field.
Monday evening, freshman quarterback Vance Feuerbacher connected with senior receiver Braeden Board for a pair of touchdowns and Feuerbacher kept it himself for another TD.
Centenary took a 21-14 lead at halftime and built a 34-14 advantage with 6:03 remaining in the fourth quarter. The Cru posted two late scores including one on a fourth down with under a minute to play to make it 34-27. MHB tried an onside kick but was offside and the Gents kneeled twice to seal the win.
Centenary’s defense harassed a trio of MHB quarterbacks throughout the night and especially in the second half while it collected several sacks and tackles for loss.
Three local products — senior defensive lineman D.J. Smith, sophomore linebacker Marlon Young, and freshman linebacker Devon Strickland – were defensive standouts for the Gentlemen. Centenary freshman Cedrick Allison and sophomore Josh Ware were both productive running the ball.
