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Andre Houston scores the first of his 5 touchdowns as Central downs Western.
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)

Central Behind Andre Houston Runs By Western, 43-20

Andre Houston Rushes for 315 Yards and 5 TDs

October 27, 2013       Leave a Comment
By: John Keuvelaar

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The Central- Western football game is a showcase for what high school athletics is all about. The pregame featured both bands playing together, packed stands on both sides, school dancers and cheerleaders doing their part and the student body, Western in their traditional hunting clothes and Central dressed in pink to support Breast Cancer, running their school flag by each other's fans. This was truly an event.


Central flag runner completes his journey in front of the home crowd.
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)

But the real show came on the football field as both teams played hard hitting football in their season ending game. With the tight confines of Engler Stadium, fans got to hear every pads crunching blow as both teams fought for area bragging rights. On this night, it was the Central Wolves, behind a season high rushing performance by Andre Houston, that dominated the offensive and defensive lines and the scoreboard as Central ran away with a 43-20 win.

Both defenses were strong on the opening possessions. It was Central that got the first break when Western's punter mishandled the snap giving Central the ball on Western's 36 yard line. Joshua Billette hit DeMarcus Carter in the right flat for a 26 yard reception to the nine. From there Andre Houston fired through the middle of the Warrior defense virtually untouched for a 9 yard touchdown run. A blocked extra point made it 6-0 in the first quarter.


Simon Kilda gets a lick from the Central defender.
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar) After a three and out, Central went back on the attack starting from their 32 yard line. Billette had the big play as he was flushed out of the pocket and rolled right. A stiff arm helped him turn the corner allowing the junior signal caller to race 30 yards down the right sideline to the Western 23. Moments later, it was Houston who used a stutter step at the line to find his hole and scamper 11 yard for his second touchdown. A deflected extra point attempt kept the score at 12-0.

Central's defense remained dominant as they forced a third straight three and out aided by Russell Brown's third down sack.

Russell Brown and teammate wrap up QB Cameron Pike.
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)

Central started the second quarter in their territory and soon cross midfield on a 19 yard pass play. Then they handed the rock to Houston as the Wolves attacked the left side of the Western defense. Houston powered his way to just shy of the goal line where teammate Tar-Quinn Rutledge found pay dirt for the Wolves. Billette then rolled left and literally walked into the end zone for a two point conversion and a 20-0 Central lead.

Having been unable to move the ball on the ground, Western went to the short pass to get their offense going. Two short passes to both Bruce Mann then Alex Mudd sparked life. Aided by a roughing the passer call, the Warriors were rolling. A middle screen to Simon Kilda moved the ball to the 16 before Cameron Pike hit Mann on a 14 yard short post. When the extra point sailed wide right, it was 20-6 Central.


Cody Witzgall gives a much needed block to spring Cameron Pike.
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)

Andre Houston races through a hole while Bruce Mann III readies to make the hit.
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)

Late in the second quarter, Central was on the move again when Bruce Mann intercepted a Billette pass and returned it to the Central 34. A quick hitter to Mudd put Western poised to narrow the margin before halftime when Central intercepted the pass ending the Warrior drive and preserving a 20-6 halftime lead.

Cane Wendling and Nick Verity wrap up Andre Houston.
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)

Western received the second half kickoff and stayed with their short pass attack. Turning to Alex Mudd, Pike completed three straight passes to him before turning to his running ability to keep a drive going. Then Pike hit Mann on a 24 yard stop and go route down the left sideline making it 20-12. The two point conversion attempt was stopped.


Simon Kilda is chased down by Central's Joshua Billette.
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)

Devon Baldwin puts a hit on Joshua Billette after a nice gain.
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)

Both teams traded a three and out but a short Western punt gave Central the ball at the Western 39. Riding the Houston Express, Central moved the ball to the 15 before two penalties on the same play moved the Wolves back to the Western 40. Central moved the ball to the 14 aided by a pass interference call when lineman Chris Jacobs lined up for a 32 yard field goal attempt. Jacobs drilled a low liner that hit the crossbar of the goal posts bouncing over for a successful field goal making it 23-12.


Chris Jacobs nails a 32 yard field goal as it sails just under the outstretched arms of Nick Verity.
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)

As Western tried to get back into the game, a jarring hit by Devonte Mysliwski on a pass attempt that was recovered by Russell Brown gave Central great field position in the fourth quarter. Then the Houston Express left the station on an impressive run. Striking off right tackle, Houston broke tackles and willed his way 24 yards for a touchdown extending the Wolves lead to 30-12.


Andre Houston is taken down by Bruce Mann III.
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)

Joshua Billette attempts to pull away from Western's Cane Wendling.
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)

Logan Rabideau puts a bear hug on Alex Mudd after he had just eluded two Wolves.
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)

As what makes high school football great, it seemed like the game was over when Western came up with a big play rejuvenating their team. The Warrior defense ripped the ball loose with Mann pouncing on it and Western had breathed new hope in their game. A fifteen yard strike to Daniel Kolanek followed by a two point conversion pass to Nick Verity drew the Warriors to within 10 points at 30-20.


Bruce Mann III pounces on a loose ball to give Western some hope.
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)

With anticipation high, Houston began closing the door on any comeback thoughts. On Central's first play from scrimmage, Houston broke loose down the right sideline for a thrilling 61 yard touchdown run and a 37-20 lead. On their next possession, he closed the door when after it appeared he was stopped, Houston broke free racing 42 yards for his fifth touchdown sealing the Wolves win, 43-20.

On the night, Andre Houston carried the ball 43 times for 315 yards and 5 touchdowns. For Western, Cameron Pike threw for 137 yards and 3 touchdowns on 15 completions. As the saying goes, to the victor goes the spoils. For Central, the win earned them the Firefighter's Trumpet, a traveling trophy that had been absent over the last 10 years but is now part of what is a storied rivalry to be cherished between these two fine Bay City Schools.

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John Keuvelaar

John Keuvelaar is a college student at Midwest Photography Workshops and Delta College.

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