Elks’ defense, running game control second half
Coming off backto-back FAIRFIELD — disappointing seasons, Centerville landed an impressive road victory in coach Brent Ullery’s debut Friday night.
The Elks made the long drive to Fairfield, jumped out to an early lead and played a solid second half to win 30-23 in a Skyline Chili Crosstown Showdown game.
“It feels real good,” Ullery said. “We all put in a lot of hard work and got a good win.”
Quarterback Alex Grandin, named the Elks’ Crosstown Showdown most valuable player, completed 15 of 25 passes for 205 yards and two scores.
Jake Spiewak made seven catches for 187 yards, and his 80-yard touchdown grab gave Centerville the lead for good, 23-16.
Centerville scored on a 17-yard pass from Grandin to J.R. Melzer following a Fairfield fumble on the opening snap of the season.
On the next FHS possession, Donovan Shelton jumped in front of Jeff Tyus’ pass and went 30 yards on the pick-six. The Elks added Brandon Walters’ field goal to roll ahead 16-0 after one quarter.
“With the teams on our schedule, you can’t spot them 16 points and expect to be successful,” Fairfield coach Jason Krause said. “We turn it over two times, and we give up two quick touchdowns. It was not a good start.”
The Indians turned the ball over three times, struggled to run the ball, and Tyus completed 13 of 35 passes for 165 yards. Tyus did find Jutahn McClain on a quick hitter that went 37 yards for a score.
McClain, Fairfield’s MVP, scored all three touchdowns for the Indians and added a two-point conversion run.
“Our inability to run the ball put extra pressure on a young, inexperienced quarterback,” Krause said. “We needed to run the ball to help him, and we couldn’t do it.”
Centerville controlled the second half with an effective running game, rushing 21 times for 100 yards after a minus-2-yard first-half showing. Jake Rankey rushed for 60 second-half yards on 18 carries.
“He did a good job, and overall our running game did a great job running the clock,” Ullery said. “Our defense played super well. We played super fast and executed. I am real happy with our defense tonight.”
After a Fairfield three-andout, Centerville scored on Grandin’s 3-yard run for a 30-16 lead.
Fairfield moved to the Centerville 12 late in the third quarter, but Max Wynn ended the threat with an interception at the 6.
The Indians scored with less than two minutes left after an errant snap on a punt attempt gave them the ball on the 10.