Central Defense Propels Braves into Playoffs

Originally Published: Oct 31, 2009 12:14 AM CDT

Curt Hill
Oklahoma Sports Staff Writer

TULSA, Oklahoma — Aside from some struggles in Weeks 4 and 5, the Central defense has been stellar all season. The defense continued its dominance against Coweta, as the Braves held the Tigers to one score in an 18-7 victory. With the win, Central clinches its first playoff berth in 13 years.

The Braves defense made up for a quiet performance from Texas commit Demarco Cobbs, who was suffering from the flu. Cobbs scored the first touchdown of the game, but was held in check for the rest of the contest.

The Central defense set up the second score of the game when Deion Fipps intercepted Trevor Sumpter and returned the ball into Coweta territory. A few plays later, Kevin Rucker cashed in on a quarterback draw by stretching the ball over the goal line. The extra point was no good and the Braves had a 12-0 lead midway through the second quarter.

After punts by both teams, the Tigers were deep in their territory with time ticking down in the first half. Sumpter threw a pass over the middle, but Fipps was there for his second interception of the quarter. He returned it inside the 20, setting up Central for its third score of the game. On third and goal, Rucker hit Patrick Wallace for a score with under a minute remaining. Once again, the extra point was no good and Central went into the half up 18-0.

Coweta was able to reach the endzone once in the second half, but Central stood strong for the rest of the game. Including the effort against the Tigers, the Braves are only giving up an average of 10 points per game this season.

Central (7-2) wraps up the regular season at home against Stilwell next week. Coweta (1-8) travels to LaFortune Stadium for a showdown with Edison.