Instant classic as Centennial outlasts Denison in a game with 900 yards of offense

Ben Harwell’s 25-yard field goal with 32 seconds remaining ended a wild scoring night at Burleson ISD Stadium as the Burleson Centennial Spartans (2-0) outlasted the Denison Yellow Jackets (1-1) 52-49 on Friday.

Harwell’s winning kick came after the teams had traded touchdowns over seven consecutive possessions (four for Denison, three for Centennial). The only time the teams did not score in the second half was on the first possession (a Centennial punt) and the last as the Spartans’ Da’Quan Campbell sealed the win with an interception on the game’s final play.

Centennial quarterback Kyle Burns accounted for four touchdowns, throwing for two of 24 yards to David Robinson and 59 yards to Chris Mosley. Burns also ran for 112 yards and a pair of 1-yard quarterback sneak touchdowns.

Denison’s Jadarian Price put in a yeoman effort in the loss, rushing for 179 yards and four touchdowns, including one of 54 yards.

In all, the teams combined for over 900 yards of offense (456 for Denison, 452 for Centennial), including over 650 yards rushing (323 for Denison, 340 for Centennial).

Game was over when: Centennial’s Da’Quan Campbell intercepted a pass on the game’s final play.

Play of the game: Ben Harwell’s 25-yard field goal in the wet conditions with only 32 seconds remaining.

Offensive player of the game: Centennial quarterback Kyle Burns, who was 4-for-8 passing with two touchdowns, along with rushing 24 times for 112 yards and a pair of scores.

Defensive player of the game: Centennial defensive back Da’Quan Campbell. He not only ended the game with a win-clinching interception, he recovered a fumble at the Denison 33-yard line in the first half that led to a touchdown.

Unsung hero of the game: Centennial running back Jaylon Jackson rushed six times for 70 yards and two touchdowns, including a 47-yard score.

Moment of the game: Campbell’s interception on the final play to seal the win.

Stat of the Game: Centennial kicker Ben Harwell, who was a perfect 7-for-7 on extra points, and kicked the game-winning 25-yard field goal with 32 seconds left.

Big picture outlook: There is something about the second game of the season for both teams. The Spartans won the second game for a fifth straight year and a seventh time since they began play in 2011. Denison, on the other hand, dropped the second game of the season for a ninth time in 10 years. The Spartans are looking for only their second 3-0 start ever, the only time being 2016 when they finished with the most wins in their history (10-2).

What’s next?: Both teams go into district play as they each compete in a nine-team league. Centennial opens District 5-5A Division II play at home against Aledo on Sept. 14, 7:30 p.m. Denison hosts Frisco Lebanon Trail on Sept. 14 at 7 p.m. to open 7-5A Division II.

This story was originally published September 7, 2018 at 11:30 PM.