Two starters back on offense and four on defense, loss of multiple playmakers to graduation sounds like a team that could struggle and people might not bat an eye. Well, that scenario was the case a far players for the Centralia Panthers coming into this season but Centralia isn't like many high school they always seem to find athletes to continue to win and that they have this season.

The defending Class 2-1A state champs look primed to quite possibly repeat this season and just way be on a crash course for a rematch against LaCrosse in the title game.

Centralia easily disposed of the Chargers of Jefferson County North in the opening round of the playoffs 46-7, to remain unbeaten and improve to 10-0. Panthers ran the ball for 353 yards as team, while holding the Chargers to 136 total yards of offense. Junior, quarterback, JT Rosine put up 186 yards on the ground with three rushing scores, including two of 62 yards each. Tailback, Sam Steinlage added three rushing scores himself with 82 yards.

The Panthers will head out on the road to take on a Olpe Eagles squad that won their first round game 28-20, getting some help from their opponents the Onaga Buffalos who coughed the ball up five times in the game. Olpe took advantage of the Buffalo turnovers but still almost loss the game. Sophomore, quarterback for the Eagles tossed three touchdowns while rushing for 65 yard score, also. With the win the Eagles move to 7-3 on the season.

Olpe and their Coach, Chris Schmidt are familiar with the Centralia Panthers as just a few years ago back in 2010 these teams meet up in the playoffs with the Eagles coming out on top with 10-0. This time could be slightly different.

Centralia earlier season beat Onaga 42-0 this season and have dominated every matchup they have played in and have outscored opponents 453 to 43 (45.3 ppg to 4.9 opp. ppg). After week one in week Centralia allowed 16 points to 3A school St. Mary's, the Panthers have not allowed more than eight points in a game with four shutouts. Panthers not only have done this to 2-1A teams but 3A schools too as they beat St. Mary's and Riley County both his year.

Panthers are riding the state's longest winning streak at 19 straight and have been riding the backs of their playmakers JT Rosine and Sam Steinlage who have rushed the ball close to 2,500 yards combined this year, with their strong defense, also.

Tradition and pride two things that are easily identifiable with Centralia football, the Panthers look primed to possibly come away with yet another state title in football as they are three wins away from doing so and will first need to get past Olpe on Friday night.