The defending Class 2-1A state champions, Centralia Panthers were looking to get back to the state title game to defend their state title successfully and they did so with a 34-14 impressive win in sub-state action at home versus Lyndon.

In a game that was anticipated to be a battle of defenses and low scoring as neither team on average was giving up more than five points per game, but the first half looked a little different than anticipated. In the first half 41 of the 48 total points scored in the game were scored.

Centralia did want they have all season and dominate things with their running game and make plays on defense despite giving up the second most points they have this season the stats show the Panthers defense was stellar yet again.

Offensively things got going early with a tremendous running attack as junior quarterback, JT Rosine punched in a 33 yard run into the endzone, one of this three TD runs to go with his 213 yards on the ground on 24 carries. JT with his stellar performance on the field earned the Community National Bank "Player to Bank On" award on the KMZA broadcast. Rosine's running mate, junior tailback, Sam Steinlage added a stellar game, as well with 17 carries 161 yards and a rushing TD. Execution to perfection was Steinlage's TD run for 63 yards which was lead by a multitude of great blocks, including a crucial one from big sophomore offensive lineman, Joey Ferron. With Rosine and Steinlage leading the way as usual the Panthers had 417 total yards of offense all on the ground against a tough Lyndon defense.

Steinlage did add the only non offensive rushing TD of the game for the Panthers as he scoped up a Lyndon fumble in the first quarter and ran it back 24 yards to paydirt. While the fumble recovery TD was perhaps the biggest defensive play the Panthers shutout out the Lyndon Tigers in the second half and held them to 283 total yards of offense, while Steinlage an Ferron each recorded a sack apiece.

While the Panthers enjoyed plenty of success on the field Friday night perhaps the biggest thing on the minds of the Panthers is the health of their team with a few players going down in the game, including star tailback, Sam Steinlage who's status for the championship game could be in question.

With the great display of football Friday night the Panthers will be headed back to Hays to the Class 2-1A state championship game to defend their title from last year. Centralia continued to remain unbeaten on the season improving to 12-0 and stretched the state longest winning streak to 21 straight games. Panthers opponent will be an 11-1, Meade team won beat LaCrosse 34-12 in the other semifinal game, Friday night.

Centralia's success on the football field continues and the Panthers will look to make it 21 straight wins next Saturday (Nov. 24th) at 1:00pm in Hays. Listen to the game on 92.1 KMZA and online at www.mscsports.net (click here to listen)....pregame starts at 12:30pm and kick at 1:00pm.