Englewood – It was a football game that only a mother could love. And when it was finally over, it looked like both teams could use a hug from mom.
In a contest that featured six turnovers, 18 penalties and a series of miscues and mishaps, Englewood survived for a 27-21 overtime victory against Centaurus in a Class 3A North Metropolitan League game Friday night at Pirates Stadium.
Bryce Penn, son of longtime Englewood coach Randy Penn, picked up his 100th yard on his final carry, a 2-yard dive into the end zone in overtime.
“There were fumbles, penalties, mistakes, but we just kept going. Our team had lots of heart,” Bryce Penn said.
Englewood, ranked fifth in The Denver Post/9News 3A poll, improved to 3-0 overall and 1-0 in league. Centaurus dropped to 1-2, 0-1.
The game started with more than enough action.
On the Pirates’ first defensive play, quarterback and linebacker Jairin Potter stepped in front of a pass by Cory Fredrich and returned the interception 44 yards for a score. On the ensuing kickoff, Centaurus junior Josh Sipes went the distance for a 92-yard score to tie the game.
Then things got a little crazy.
Englewood fumbled the center exchange and gave the Warriors a first down on the Pirates’ 17-yard line. Three plays later, Sipes cruised in for an 8-yard score.
Englewood punted on its next drive, but Centaurus fumbled on its center exchange to give the ball back. But the Pirates threw a pick to hand possession right back.
Englewood came alive late in the second half with a 17-play, 84-yard drive that took nearly 10 minutes and ended with a 14-yard touchdown pass from Potter to Julio Avelar. The Pirates forced Centaurus to punt on its next drive, and Penn took the kick back for a 49-yard score to put Englewood up 21-14 at halftime.
“This was the kind of game that wears me out. It was one of those game that just toyed with your emotions. You’d get up on one play, and then you were right back down on the next play. It was a whirlwind of emotions. I’m floored right now,” Centaurus coach Chad Senseney said.
The Warriors’ offense was stagnant until it put together an 80-yard drive with 6:10 left. Sipes’ 15-yard burst tied the score to force overtime.
Centaurus started with the ball but lost 25 yards before turning the ball over on downs. Englewood then handed the ball to Penn on three consecutive plays for the win.
Centaurus 14 0 0 7 0 – 21
Englewood 7 14 0 0 6 – 27
E – Potter 44 interception return (Potter kick). C – Sipes 92 kickoff return (Dhamdul kick). C – Sipes 8 run (Dhamdul kick). E – Avelar 14 pass from Potter (kick blocked). E – Penn 49 punt return (Penn run). C – Sipes 15 run (Dhamdul kick). E – Penn 2 run (no attempt).
