Central rolls to victory in city showdown with Cardinals

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) -- The Central Indians avenged a Week 1 loss Friday night, defeating Benton 47-8 in a city rivalry game at Sparks Field.

Central jumped out to a 20-0 lead in the first quarter and never looked back.

The Indians scored on their first play when junior quarterback Hank Judah connected with senior wide receiver Cole Hass for a touchdown. Central converted the extra point to make it 7-0.

Benton's offense struggled to move the ball against the Central defense.

Running back Christian Richey added two more first-quarter scores to make it 20-0 at the end of one.

In the second quarter, the Indians' defense got on the board when Gage Cooper returned an interception for a touchdown to make it 27-0 with the extra point. With no time left on the clock to end the quarter, Judah found CJ Jackson for six more. Central led 33-0 at halftime.

Central added two second-half scores to extend its lead and finish with a 47-8 victory.

With the win, Central is 5-0 against Benton in the last five meetings.

Central improves to 1-1 on the season, while the Cardinals fall to 1-1.