LA JARA – After starting the season with a strong schedule which included two tough losses, the ninth-ranked and defending Class 1A state champion Centauri High School football team hosted Bayfield, traditionally one of the strongest teams in Class 2A.

But the Falcons were up to the challenge as they defeated the Wolverines by a score of 33-14.

“I felt like we played really well tonight,” said Centauri coach Kyle Forster. “We finally got back to Falcon football. We played fundamental football.”

Bayfield drew first blood as it scored on the first play of the ball game. Deegan Barnes threw a 55-yard scoring strike to Lincoln Williams, however, the two-point attempt was no good.

Centauri turned the ball over on downs on its first possession. But the Falcons forced the Wolverines to do the same. Centauri took advantage as Leighton Curtis tossed a 15-yard touchdown pass to Coby Thomas. Josh Polkowske made the extra point and the Falcons led 7-6.

Centauri increased the lead early in the second quarter as Curtis threw a 15-yard scoring pass to Chaz Holman. Polkowske again made the point after and the Falcons led 14-6.

The Falcons scored again midway through the second as Curtis and Holman hooked up again, this time on a 43-yard TD pass. Polkowske’s kick was blocked and Centauri led 20-6 at halftime.

Bayfield scored early in the third quarter with Barnes throwing another touchdown to Williams, this time a 79-yarder. Donovan Candelaria ran in the two-point conversion and the Falcons’ lead was cut to 20-14.

Centauri responded with a touchdown on its next possession. Curtis and Holman hooked up for the third time, this time a 1-yard TD pass. The Polkowske kick was blocked again and the Falcons led 26-14.

Centauri wrapped up the scoring later in the third. Austin Stockebrand scored on an 8-yard TD run and Polkowske made the extra point.

Bayfield attempted two scoring drives in the fourth quarter but came away empty both times. First Williams dropped a wide-open pass on fourth down, and then Thomas intercepted Barnes at the goal line.

Centauri had 386 yards of total offense – 257 rushing and 129 passing. Curtis led the way as he ran for 124 yards on 22 carries, and he completed 11 of 19 passes for 129 yards.

The Falcons had two 100-yard rushers as Stockebrand ran for 102 yards on 25 carries.

Holman was the leading receiver with eight catches for 96 yards.

Bayfield tallied 371 yards of total offense with 262 coming on the ground. The Centauri defense forced four turnovers with Holman leading with two interceptions.

Centauri (2-2) will open Southern Peaks League play on Friday as it will travel to Center. Kickoff is at 7 p.m.

“Center does a really good job,” Forster said. “They’re going to be tough to handle. We’re going to have to play another good football game.”

Centauri 33, Bayfield 14

Bayfield 6 0 8 0 – 14

Centauri 7 13 13 0 – 33

First quarter

B – Williams 55 pass from Barnes (pass failed), 11:53

C – Thomas 15 pass from Curtis (Polkowske kick), 5:11

Second quarter

C – Holman 15 pass from Curtis (Polkowske kick), 10:54

C – Holman 43 pass from Curtis (kick blocked), 7:37

Third quarter

B – Williams 79 pass from Barnes (Candelaria run), 9:06

C – Holman 1 pass from Curtis (kick blocked), 7:17

C – Stockebrand 8 run (Polkowske kick), 4:08