SANFORD — A contrast between halves helped Centauri come from behind against host Sanford for a 47-34 win to return from the holiday break.

Centauri (9-0) has been on a roll this year. In their first two weeks of competition, the Falcons were able to take their home Mountain Top Classic as well as the La Junta Holiday Shootout. Two more wins before the holiday break allowed Centauri to construct an eight-game run leading into Saturday’s game. For their effort, the Falcons are moving up the top ten going from ninth place up to sixth in Monday’s Colorado High School Activities Association (CHSAA) Coaches Poll.

Sanford (3-3) is doing a great job keeping their heads above water heading towards their league schedule. Sanford has played 5 of 6 games in the 3A class and is 2-3 over that upper-class stretch. With 6 points in the CHSAA Coaches Poll, Sanford is still looking to get back since having been ousted from the top ten in Dec. 16’s rankings.

Saturday night Sanford looked well on the way to doing that, opening play with a 14-10 lead in the first quarter. Ten more points from Sanford’s offense in the second frame and the home team would lead Centauri 24-23 at the half.

Centauri kept up their offense production through the second half, going from averaging 11.5 points per quarter in the first half to 12 points in the second half.

Sanford was unable to keep pace and totaled 10 points in the second half allowing Centauri to take their ninth win in a row. 

The Falcons have two more games on their road trip. Both of which will be the beginning of Centauri’s league schedule. First, the Falcons will face the Pirates of Monte Vista on Jan. 17th then they’ll meet up with the Pirates of Pagosa Springs on January 18th.

Sanford will continue their journey through 3A with games against Ellicott and Pagosa Springs, then returning to 2A for a game against Crested Butte on Jan. 18 before beginning their league schedule with Center on Jan. 24th.