Coming into Friday’s Greater Western Ohio Conference Central Division clash, Northmont had not been shy about its love for playing at Centerville.

The last six times the Elks and T-Bolts have met, the visitor had walked away the winner.

That streak is over.

Behind a dominating defensive effort led by a fierce front four, the Elks shut out Northmont 13-0 before a wet homecoming crowd at Centerville Stadium. It was the first time the T-Bolts had been shut out in 27 games, a string dating to a 32-0 loss to Centerville on Oct. 16, 2009.

“We definitely wanted to make a statement,” Centerville defensive lineman Brant Gressel said. “They came in here saying ‘it’s our house’ but we know whose house it is. We came out, played our game and shut them out. I don’t think they’re going to think it’s their house anymore.”

Said Centerville head coach Ron Ullery: “Our whole team felt challenged tonight. This is the first time in seven years the home team has won. There’s been a lot of messages sent in cyberspace that didn’t sit real well with our guys. They sat back, didn’t respond and answered the bell tonight.”

Northmont turned the ball over three times – including twice in the red zone – and gained 159 total yards. The T-Bolts mustered 20 yards on 23 carries and missed a field goal.

Most of the damage occurred up front.

Led by Gressel, senior Jake Replogle, senior Colton Hale and junior Tito Odenigbo, the Elks dominated the line of scrimmage. All four registered at least one sack and multiple tackles-for-loss.

“They get better every week,” Ullery said. “They’re really good. They have four Division I (college) guys.”

Gressel is headed to Iowa and Replogle to Purdue. Odenigbo will land at a BCS school too. The only question mark is Hale, who doesn’t have D-I offers – yet.

“It’s a blessing to be a part of this group,” Hale said. “These guys are my brothers.”

Said Replogle: “We know games are decided up front. We know the game is in our hands.”

Centerville’s offense scored on its first two possessions – a 3-yard run by quarterback Jimmy Brooks and a Brooks-to-Replogle 8-yard pass. That was enough.

Northmont drops to 4-3 and 1-1 in the GWOC Central, while Centerville – riding a five-game win streak – improves to 5-2 and 2-0.

Next week Centerville hosts archrival Wayne. The Warriors were upset by Beavercreek 14-13 Friday.

“Forget all that,” Ullery said. “This is Wayne-Centerville. All we have to say this week is ‘Wayne.’ All they’ll have to say is ‘Centerville.’ And that will be enough.”