Centerville tops Northmont for third straight win

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By B.J. Bethel, Staff Writer Updated 2:25 AM Saturday, October 8, 2011

CLAYTON — Call it a return to normal, or just hitting its stride. The Centerville High School football team further shook off a 1-3 start to the season with a 34-7 win over Northmont on Friday.

After losses to state superpowers Cincinnati Elder and Cleveland St. Ignatius, the Elks have three wins in a row against Greater Western Ohio Conference rivals, including two in the Central Division, where Centerville sits in first place at 2-0.

Centerville quarterback Janson Matthews rushed 25 times for 126 yards and three touchdowns. Matthews usually shares the field with starter Jimmy Brooks, but Brooks was dinged early, clearing the way for Matthews and his big night.

“He had to carry the load,” Centerville coach Ron Ullery said. “He did a great job and he’s capable of doing that. Both of our guys are.”

Centerville’s defense sacked Northmont quarterback Cameron Belton six times and held him to 9-of-18 passing after Belton started the game completing his first four. Standout defensive end Ifeadi Odenigbo sacked Belton twice.

“I think our defensive line may have had their best game of the year,” Ullery said. “They were really active up there.”

Centerville led 7-0 through most of the first half but was able to score twice in the last two minutes of the second quarter. Matthews had a 4-yard touchdown run, and Jason Kaczala had a 25-yard field goal to put the game out of reach.

It was a rough night for Northmont, which has had personnel and injury issues throughout the season. Linebacker Kaleb Ringer — who missed games early in the year — missed most of the second half with a knee problem but isn’t expected to miss any games.

“We’re really undermanned personnel-wise right now,” Northmont coach Lance Schneider said. “We’re at the nadir. The kids have to practice hard and work hard in the weight room to make sure this doesn’t happen in the future. It’s happened for the last year now.”

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