JOHNSTOWN — While its offense gets most of the attention, the Centerburg defense has toiled in relative obscurity this season.
On Friday, the defense stepped up and stole the show. The Trojans held the Fredericktown’s leading rusher, Matt Smith, to under 100 yards; picked off two passes, one of which was returned for a touchdown; and sparked the team to a 21-7 victory over Fredericktown in a game held at Johnstown because of poor field conditions at Centerburg.
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Centerburg defense shuts down Freddies, 21-7
“I think it’s fitting. Our defense has taken a lot of negative criticism all year. ... The defense played lights out tonight,” said Centerburg coach Jim Stoyle. “I’ve coached in 212 games and this is the best win I’ve ever had. This group of kids set a goal and went out and accomplished it. This one was circled on our calendar the last 365 days.”


