There’s no question that Rossville and Silver Lake are natural rivals.
The War on 24 series between the two tradition-rich Class 3A schools is considered one of the top rivalries in the state.
However, Centralia also fits in as a natural rival for both Rossville and Silver Lake, given the proximity and the success of the programs. And now that Centralia has been bumped up from Class 2-1A to 3A, the schools could start meeting on the gridiron more often.
Rossville’s short trip to Centralia for a battle of 5-0 teams is the Fans’ Choice Kpreps Game of the Week. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.
“I think there’s a little bit there,” Rossville coach Derick Hammes said. “We’ve had past games and a history with Centralia. Any time you’re playing a good program, it gets the attention of the kids. I’m sure both teams have had this circled as a big game.”
Hammes’ Bulldogs are ranked No. 2 in 3A, while the Centralia Panthers sit just outside of Kpreps.com’s top-five rankings. Rossville finished 12-1 and fell in the 3A semifinals last year. Centralia won the 2-1A state championship with a 13-0 record.
Rossville and Centralia split the previous two meetings between the schools. The Bulldogs won 34-8 in 2011, while the Panthers enjoyed a 20-13 victory in 2010.
“We’re used to playing the Rossvilles and Silver Lakes over the years,” Centralia coach Larry Glatczak said. “It’s a non-district game, but it’s a great game for us to see where we are at and what type of football team we are.”
Rossville has won all five of its games by 34 points or more. The Bulldogs are averaging 50.8 points and about 470 yards of total offense per outing.
Dual-threat quarterback Tucker Horak directs the Rossville offense. The 5-foot-9, 175-pound junior has completed an astounding 45 of 52 pass attempts (87 percent) for 616 yards and nine touchdowns. He also leads the Bulldogs in rushing with 803 yards and 10 touchdowns on 42 attempts for a ridiculous 19.1 yards per carry.
“His decision making has improved from where he was last year as a sophomore,” Hammes said. “He’ll tell you that. The game has slowed down for him. We’ve gotten early leads so we haven’t thrown the ball as much as we’d like, but his completion percentage is up 25 percent. That’s what has improved the most. I attribute his success to his competitiveness. He fights and scratches for every yard he gets. His maturity has improved, and he’s much more of a leader.”
Rossville has several other threats at the skill positions. Thatcher Horak has rushed for 472 yards and six touchdowns on 24 carries (19.7 ypc), while catching 10 passes for 158 yards and three touchdowns. Christian Roduner leads the Bulldogs in receiving with 17 catches for 246 yards and three touchdowns. Recently back from injury, running back Nick Reesor has rushed for 62 yards and three touchdowns on 12 carries.
Hammes said his team’s play up front has been a big contributor to the offense’s success.
“Our offensive line play has been really good up until this point,” he said. “We’re not giving up any pressures or sacks. Our backs and receivers will tell you that when we’re able to make plays, it’s because of those guys.”
In similar fashion, Centralia has won each of its five games by 32 points or more. The Panthers are averaging 46.8 points and about 455 yards of total offense. They also are yielding a stingy 6.8 points per game after shutting out two of their opponents.
Centralia rushes for 415.6 yards per game out of its single-wing offense.
Senior running back Darrian Turner has rushed for 919 yards and 11 touchdowns on 74 carries (12.4 ypc), while quarterback Wyatt VanDorn has rushed for 621 yards and 10 touchdowns on 51 carries. The senior quarterback also has completed 6 of 15 passes for 199 yards and three touchdowns.
“Those two kids are both good runners,” Glatczak said. “Both of those guys can scoot. It might be the most team speed we’ve had in the backfield since I’ve been here.”
Senior Trevor Mars is back at fullback with 229 yards and six touchdowns on 55 carries. Senior Joey Ferron (6-4, 250), who received a scholarship offer from Wyoming before the season, leads Centralia’s offensive line. Mars and Ferron are both three-year starters.
“It will be a big game,” Glatczak said. “A lot of people have been talking about this game all season. The town will be closed down … These are the type of games you want to get ready for. You enjoy playing competition like that. Win or lose, we like to play these games. They only make you better.”
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