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Ball-hawking Blaine defense leads rout of Centennial

By David La Vaque, Star Tribune, 09/16/16, 9:30PM CDT

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The fourth-ranked Bengals intercepted three passes, returning one for a touchdown, in a 42-14 victory.


Blaine running back Chase Harper shakes a Centennial defender and looks up field for more yardage. Photo by Nick Wosika/SportsEngine

Perhaps the secret to Blaine’s success is a defense that takes the ball away and an overall team concept that gives credit away.

Dominating defensive play led Blaine to a 42-14 rout of rival Centennial. No. 4-ranked Blaine (3-0) intercepted three passes, one by Sam Gerrety going for a touchdown, the other two by linebacker Max Bautch that set up scores. The Bengals have intercepted eight passes this season.

Gerrety previously took an interception back for a score against Wayzata.

“It’s pretty special and it ignites the team,” said Gerrety, who praised the defensive line and linebackers. Shea Gerrety and Tyler Ososki pressured and hammered Centennial quarterback Kyle Nordby and backup Ryan Koob.

Both of Bautch’s interceptions set up touchdowns by running back Chase Harper. He praised blockers for clearing his way on a 5-yard run and a 52-yard reception, the latter with no time left in the first half. Blaine built a 28-0 lead at intermission.

Centennial (1-2) broke a stretch of six scoreless quarters with Sammy Byrd’s short touchdown run in the third quarter.

“That’s a good defense and we’re short on the offensive line with injury and inexperience,” Cougars coach Mike Diggins said. “Tonight we saw some growth, but against a real good team it’s still not enough.”

First report

Dominating defensive play led Blaine to a 42-14 rout of rival Centennial, spoiling the Cougars’ first home game this season.

No. 4-ranked Blaine (3-0) intercepted three passes, one for a Sam Gerrety touchdown from 89 yards out, the other two by linebacker Max Bautch that set up scores. The Bengals have intercepted eight passes in three games.

Running back Chase Harper scored twice with less than a minute to play in the first half as Blaine built a 28-0 lead at intermission.

Harper found the end zone on a 5-yard run then a 52-yard screen pass from KJ Downey, the latter with no time left in the first half

Centennial (1-2) broke a stretch of six scoreless quarters with a short Sammy Byrd touchdown run in the third quarter. The teams combined for three additions touchdowns in the second half.

Check back later for more on the game.


Blaine linebacker Tyler Ososki sacks Centennial quarterback Kyle Nordby. Photo by Nick Wosika/SportsEngine


Blaine wide receiver Byron Bynum Jr. runs up field after the catch. Photo by Nick Wosika/SportsEngine


Centennial kicker Kayln Blair puts one through the uprights on this point-after-attempt. Photo by Nick Wosika/SportsEngine

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