Centralia delivers dominant win over R.A. Long

By The Chronicle staff

For the first time in 693 days, the Centralia football team is in the win column.

“It was a really good night,” Centralia coach Tyler Gedney said. “I’m just really happy with the way we showed up tonight … I’m so happy for all our guys.”

The Tigers blew past R.A. Long on Friday night, taking an early lead and never looking back in a 35-0 blowout win.

The victory snaps an 11-game losing streak that had been active since Centralia’s last win on Oct. 20, 2023 in Hoquiam.

Though the Tigers ended up winning in dominant fashion, it looked like the Lumberjacks were going to strike first.

R.A. Long was in the midst of a lengthy drive that had stretched more than six minutes and was knocking on the door of the end zone when Bill Volavola intercepted a pass in the end zone and returned it 102 yards for a touchdown.

“Not only to get the stop, but to take it all the way back to the house, it was a huge momentum shift,” Gedney said.

Caden Erickson hit Alex Frias for a 26-yard touchdown in the second quarter, and Malcolm Tukes scored a 53-yard touchdown in the final minute of the first half to make it 21-0 Centralia.

Tukes went on to score two more touchdowns in the second half, finishing the day with three scores and 140 yards on 18 carries.

“He’s a stud,” Gedney said. “He is a north and south tough freaking runner. We’re just gonna feed him and feed him and feed him.”

Erickson finished 5 for 7 with 101 yards and a touchdown through the air. 

After the first drive, the Centralia defense tightened up. The Tigers were able to force R.A. Long into several second- and third-and-longs, and as a result, they were able to pin their ears back and get after the quarterback.

They ended up allowing just 160 total yards of offense and forced a pair of turnovers.

Centralia (1-1) will hit the road again next Friday, Sept. 19, to face Foster.

“A great feeling and a great bus ride home,” Gedney said. “Hopefully, we can build on it, try to get one up there, and try to fight for one of those playoff spots.”