CP Performs Well at Jamboree

The Central Private School Rebels began the 2009 football season on Friday night as they hosted the annual Jamboree. The Rebels, who are looking to build on one of their most successful seasons in recent history, open the season with some question marks along the line of scrimmage as they replace four graduates on the offensive line. They also open the season with a new quarterback and several new starters on the defensive side of the football. The Rebels opened the night in a 15 minute game against the Bowling Green Buccaneers. Quarterback Cash Cooley, who threw for 123 yards in the ball game, opened by leading the Bucs deep into Rebel territory on the opening drive. It was here that Rebel linebacker Hunter Martrain forced a fumble which the Rebels recovered to thwart the drive. However, Cooley would not be denied on the next BG drive, when they went 80 yards for the score. The final 28 yards came on a Cooley touchdown pass to Colton Owens with 6:14 left in the ball game. Central Private’s offense was able to answer the score with a 65-yard drive of its own. Led by a Bobby Muse 52-yard gallop, the Rebels were able to even the score at 7-7 with 3:12 remaining. The drive ended on a Muse 9-yard trot in the endzone. Brandt Moore added the PAT that tied the game.

In CP’s second ball game, they faced long-time rival Silliman Institute from Clinton. The Rebels showed increased intensity as they were able to take control of the ball game from the opening drive. The new offensive line, led by senior Matt Overlease, led a ground attack that rushed for over 150 yards in the shortened game. Muse once again led all rushers with 104 yards on nine carries. An eight play 65 yard touchdown drive for the Rebels opened the scoring in the second game. Muse had runs of 16 and 15 yards before going the final 8 yards for the score. The CP defense then held the Wildcats to three plays and a punt. After seven plays and 68 yards, Muse loped into the endzone from 23 yards out. Overlease said that the new line was a little nervous in game one, but they came out against their rival in game two with no nerves. “We just wanted to control the line of scrimmage in the second game and we did,” Overlease said. The Wildcats were able to mount a drive on their next possession led by the running of Nick Ohlinger but were held out of the end zone as the Rebels prevailed 14-0. After the ball games, head coach Mike Longmire told his troops, “We have built a program here over the last three years and you guys are going to add to it. We have a long way to go, but we will be there in the end.” The Rebels open the regular season next week as they travel to face Huntington.