Centaurs defence play great but still come up short

Courtesy of www.VarsityLetters.ca
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No. 5 ST. THOMAS MORE 21 AT CENTENNIAL 7

COQUITLAM — Rickey Parsons couldn’t have delivered better if it were happening in his dreams.
The reality of the situation, after the St. Thomas More Knights standout scored all three of his team’s touchdowns in the second-half, including two off pick-six thefts, is that the Knights will head into their Eastern Conference regular season finale against Lord Tweedsmuir next week with a chance to finish a perfect 7-0.
After running back Nick Osho had a pair of first-half rushing majors wiped off the board by penalties against an inspired Centennial defence on Friday at Burnaby Lakes, Parsons put his imprint on the game over its final two quarters.

First, he returned a 25-yard interception for a touchdown on Centennial’s first offensive series of the second half.

Then, on STM’s first series after the break, quarterback Anthony De Lazzari would hit Parsons with a 30-yard fade for the major score.
And then on Centennial’s ensuing drive, Parsons once again sizzled on defence, this time from midfield with a 50-yard pick-six play.

“The interceptions for touchdowns turned the tables on us,” admitted Centaurs head coach Dino Geremia. “We couldn’t fight back from it.”

Osho had 15 carries for 125 yards while De Lazzari was 7-of-14 for 80 yards passing and a touchdown.
Parsons added five tackles along a defence led by the eight of Alex Cordeiro. Jack Wagner had five tackles, while Kaishaun Carter had four.

Luca Iallanardo and Bryson Vanloo each added sacks.

For Centennial, Keyshawn Beswick had four receptions for 46 yards, and scored the Centaurs’ lone major in the fourth quarter.
Antonio Bianchi and Felipe Ruiz each made five tackles in the loss while Cole Kashino provided tough yards and had another big night on kickoff-return duty.