Centralia won a low-scoring defensive bout on Friday night over Valley Heights by a final score of 18-16 in a crucial Twin Valley League matchup.

The Panthers scored the first points of the game with a two-yard rushing touchdown from senior fullback and team captain Brody Grossnickle to put them up 6-0.

Valley Heights responded with a score of their own with junior fullback Logan Gray running up the middle 29 yards for a score, shedding tacklers along the way. That scamper put Valley Heights up 8-6 with 11:26 left in the second quarter.

The first and only touchdown pass came on the following drive for Centralia with junior quarterback Jacob Flentie connecting with junior tight end Henry Heideman for an eight-yard touchdown. After another failed two-point conversion, they led 12-8 with 6:00 left in the half.

After a defensive stop, Grossnickle got his second rushing touchdown with this one being from the three-yard line, giving them an 18-8 lead at halftime.

Most of the second half was a rough watch as both teams had three turnovers on downs. Both defenses wouldn’t allow the opposing offenses to do anything more than get short runs and play in between the 30s.

The Mustangs broke the scoreless streak with a 32-yard rushing touchdown from senior quarterback Carsoon Spoonts to cut their deficit to two with 2:05 remaining.

All Centralia needed to do was get a first down on the ensuing possession, and they got it with a run from senior tailback Maveryk Becker to secure the win.

Flentie led the team in carries (17) and rushing yards (88). He also went 4-for-10 in his season debut with 64 passing yards, a touchdown and an interception. He is the Player of the Game brought to you by The Farmers State Bank.

Becker had 16 carries for 77 yards with three receptions for 56 receiving yards.

Spoonts had 23 carries for 126 yards in his Valley Heights debut. He also went 4-for-7 over the air with 37 passing yards.