Central swamps Howard 41-6 in region game [photos]

Central players DonYa Parker (24) and Hunter Jones (4) block a punt by Howard player Ellis Robinson (3) during their prep football game at Chattanooga Central High School on Friday, Sept. 28, 2018, in Chattanooga, Tenn.
Central players DonYa Parker (24) and Hunter Jones (4) block a punt by Howard player Ellis Robinson (3) during their prep football game at Chattanooga Central High School on Friday, Sept. 28, 2018, in Chattanooga, Tenn.

Some wins just mean more than others.

After only one day of practice on the field for Central due to the torrential rain in the area, and a difficult week off the field for Purple Pounders coach Curt Jones - his father passed away on Tuesday - Jones told his team that the victory, and the game ball they gave him, was exactly what he needed.

The host Pounders beat Howard 41-6 to remain undefeated in Region 2-4A behind a swarming defensive effort, key plays on special teams and a first-quarter offensive explosion.

"We've been waiting to erupt offensively," Jones said. "We finally started clicking tonight. We've had a good year so far and done a lot of good things, but tonight we were hitting on all cylinders."

The game got off to an inauspicious start for Central (4-2, 3-0). Cornerback T.J. Payne fell down on a deep ball on the game's first play, and Hustlin' Tigers receiver Ellis Robinson found himself all alone to haul in a 72-yard touchdown pass to put Howard (1-4, 0-2) up 6-0.

Payne wouldn't have to wait long to avenge his mistake, as Central quarterback Jaheim Jones hit him on the very next play for a 70-yard touchdown strike to give the Pounders the lead at 7-6.

The Pounders recovered the ensuing kickoff and turned it into a 2-yard touchdown run by senior Michael McGhee. Another Jaheim Jones scoring pass to Payne and a Hunter Jones 22-yard TD run put Central up 28-6 after one quarter.

Central played nearly flawlessly in all facets of the game, blocking a punt and holding Howard to 206 yards of total offense. The Pounders defense also had an interception and forced a fumble in the third quarter with the Hustlin' Tigers on the 1-yard line primed to score a touchdown.

"Special teams is a phase of the game we feel like we can win every week," Coach Jones said. "I was pleased with all phases of the game tonight."

McGhee led Central on the ground with 142 yards on 17 carries and two touchdowns. However, he was helped off the field with an apparent leg injury with eight minutes left in the game.

Payne had three catches for 88 yards for Central, while Robinson led Howard with 96 yards on three receptions.

Contact Kevin Llewallyn at sports@timesfreepress.com

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