Football Recap: Make It Five in a Row for Centralia

Panthers

Previous 5 Games

10/24/25 @ Kirksville	20-17
10/17/25 @ Palmyra	44-8
10/10/25 vs South Shelby	42-0
10/03/25 @ Highland	54-12
09/26/25 vs Macon	50-13

Centralia proved they can win big last Friday (they won by 36) and on Friday they proved they can win the close ones too. They had just enough and edged out the Kirksville Tigers 20-17. The win was nothing new for the Panthers as they're now sitting on five straight.

Centralia got their victory on the backs of several key players, but it was Chase Kempker out in front who rushed for 85 yards and one TD on only five carries. Those 85 rushing yards gave Kempker a new career-high. Centralia also got a significant boost from Rex Bryson, who ran away from the competition to the tune of 86 yards.

Centralia's win bumped their record up to 8-1. As for Kirksville, they have been struggling recently as they've lost three of their last four games. That's put a noticeable dent in their 4-5 record this season.

Centralia and Kirksville are set to take part in some playoff action in their next matches. The Panthers will square off against Versailles at 7:00 p.m. on Friday. Centralia will be up against the Tigers' rather soft defense (which has allowed 54.89 points per matchup), so fans could be in store for a big offensive performance. As for Kirksville, they will be playing in front of their home fans against Mexico at 7:00 p.m. on Friday.