Game Leaders
Team Stats
Passing Yards
Rushing Yards
Turnovers
Time of Poss.
HANOVER, Ind. – A record-setting day from junior running back Trevor Carnell (Shepherdsville, Ky.) and a stout defensive effort lifted Centre College football over Hanover in Saturday's season opener, 27-14.
Carnell racked up a program-record 38 carries – one more than Tim McDaniel's 37 attempts against Washington & Lee back in 1991 – finishing with 180 yards and a pair of touchdowns.
The Colonels' defense also started the season on a high note, led by Shane Smith's (Crestwood, Ky.) eight tackles. Standout defensive backs John Wilson (Brandenburg, Ky.) and Cal Lewellyn (Louisville, Ky.) each finished with an interception, as well.
HOW IT HAPPENED
After a scoreless opening quarter, the host Panthers (0-1) struck first when Isaac Rowan picked off Centre quarterback Devin Hayes and returned it 68 yards for a touchdown.
It wasn't until late in the first half that the Colonels (1-0) found their offensive rhythm. After their first five drives ended with three punts and two interceptions, the Colonels finally got on the board on a nine-play, 65-yard drive.
Hayes hit junior wideout Cody Estep (Pikeville, Ky.) for a 10-yard touchdown with less than 30 seconds on the clock. Ben Logsdon's (Louisville, Ky.) PAT evened the score at the halfway point.
Centre's offense finally hit its stride later in the third quarter. The visitors pieced together a lengthy drive midway through the period, culminating in Carnell's first goalline TD of the afternoon.
Minutes later, after the start of the final period, Hayes and Estep connected for the second time on a 28-yard touchdown. On their very next possession, the Colonels again relied on Carnell to punch it in on a one-yard score.
Hanover would hit paydirt once more on a Chase Lightfoot scamper, but Centre' 27 unanswered points were too much for the hosts to overcome.
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE
Junior defensive lineman Connor John (Crestwood, Ky.) blocked a Hanover field goal attempt at the end of the first half, keeping the score tied at 7-7.
Hayes shook off two first-half interceptions to finish with 216 yards and a couple of touchdowns on an 18-for-30 passing effort.
Estep led all players with six catches, 111 yards and two touchdowns.
The teams were penalized a combined 21 times for 289 yards.
UP NEXT
Centre opens its home slate next Saturday, Sept. 16, hosting Anderson (Ind.) at 7 p.m. ET.