By Kai Raymer (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
The drought is over.
For the first time in six years, Springfield’s Central High School can finally celebrate a Friday night football victory.
The Bulldogs thumped Agape Boarding School 49-0 at Harrison Stadium on Friday, ending a 53-game losing streak for their program.
“We’ve been waiting for this one a long time,” said Central head coach Shem Johnson, fighting back tears.
Before Friday, Central hadn’t won a game since Oct. 16, 2015 – a 28-26 double-overtime win against Mt. Vernon.
“These kids are fighters,” Johnson said. “We get a lot of disrespect. What you don’t understand, when you come around this program you don’t realize how much fight is in these kids. The character they have to put up with 53 straight losses and still fight to get one win.”
Current seniors, like quarterback Ahmias Hart, were in 6th grade the last time Central had won a game.
“Tonight feels like Christmas,” Hart said.
It was fitting that Hart and his senior classmates played a large role in Friday’s outcome.
CLICK HERE FOR PHOTOS OF THE GAME
Hart ran for three scores and also threw a pair of long touchdowns to wide receiver Jaydon Mercado.
Mercado had a 58-yard touchdown run early in the second half that ignited the Bulldogs. Central put up six touchdowns in the second half.
Hart noted the “upbeat” mood Central had when it led 7-0 at halftime against Agape, a private school located in nearby Cedar County.
It may have been the first time in six years that Central even held a halftime lead.
“We got the monkey off our back tonight,” Hart said. “We never quit through all the losing. We kept grinding in the offseason for this.
“I’m speechless.”
On the other side of the ball, Central’s defense shut down Agape from start to finish. The Bulldogs had a goal-line stand in the first half to preserve their 7-0 lead.
Senior defensive back Gary Shockley had a pair of interceptions in the second half to fuel the Bulldogs’ explosion.
Hart’s 84-yard touchdown pass to Mercado early in the fourth quarter gave Central a 34-0 lead and kick-started early celebrations on the Central side of the stadium.
The Bulldogs’ student section had its largest turnout in several years.
Johnson, who took over as Central head coach in 2019, received a game ball from his players after the game.
“I’m happy for our players,” Johnson said. “They’ve stuck with it and worked hard. I’m glad they get to experience and enjoy this feeling.”
Johnson credited his players – especially the seniors – for persevering through times and constant doubts from outsiders.
“These kids will be remembered forever,” Johnson said. “This is a legacy. Don’t dog on us. I’m telling you now: Don’t doubt these dudes because they will fight to the end.”
Central (1-2 overall) plays at Marionville next Friday.
“Our players found that belief tonight,” Johnson said. “And the season’s not over yet. We have a long way to go.”
Central 49, Agape 0
Agape 0 0 0 0 — 0
Central 7 0 20 22 — 49
First quarter
Central – Mercado 47 catch from Hart (Turner kick)
Third quarter
Central – Mercado 58 run (Turner kick)
Central – Hart 1 run (Turner kick)
Central – Hart 2 run (kick failed)
Fourth quarter
Central – Mercado 84 catch from Hart (Turner kick)
Central – Hart 15 run (2-point conversion good; Hendrix catch from Harvey)
Central – Starks-Fewell 18 run (Turner kick)
