Centralia runs over Terriers, 41-13

The 2024 Carbondale football season is gradually fading into the sunset as the Terriers (1-4) suffered their fourth loss in a row.

The problems are many for our Terriers: poor tackling, lack of discipline at the line of scrimmage and poor positioning of defensive backs. It was the first two problems that popped their heads up in last week’s 28-point loss to the Centralia Orphans (41-13).

Centralia piled up 485 rushing yards to Carbondale’s 125 as the Orphans ran around and through Carbondale defenders. In some cases it was a matter of not wrapping up Orphan runners. In others, first contact by Carbondale tacklers was shaken off like a dog shaking off water after a rain.

Speaking of rain, playing conditions were horrendous with 40 mph wind and constant rain. But the conditions were bad for both teams, so that’s no excuse. Carbondale just did not execute as well as the Orphans.

“We didn’t play well,” said coach Bryan Lee. “We never worked so hard in the off season, but are not seeing the results.”

The game was still manageable at halftime at 20-13 Orphans' favor. The Orphans had 251 yards, but the Terriers had 185. Unfortunately, Centralia completely shut down Carbondale’s offense in the second half, allowing only 85 total yards.

Star Carbondale running back Demarzion Graham led the way for the Terriers with 82 yards in 20 carries. Quarterback Davin Wooley added 147 passing yards in terrible conditions. But these conditions

were made for running, not throwing.

Now the Terriers must win their last four games in order to have a playoff-eligible 5-4 record. They should win their next two home games: Granite City and a co-op team from the Metro East (both are winless). But their last two games are against powerhouses Marion and Mascoutah.

Kick-off for the Bleyer Field game against the co-op Friday is at 7 p.m.