By DELBERT PETERS

Staff writer

The Goessel Bluebirds jumped on the Centre Cougars early Friday at Centre, but a second-quarter barrage by the Cougers left the Bluebirds on the short end of the 30-28 final score.

Early in the second period, Goessel led by two touchdowns. Centre scored, but Trevor Beisel returned the ensuing kickoff 70 yards for a score to give the Bluebirds a 22-8 lead.

Centre then scored 22 consecutive points to take a 30-22 lead at halftime.

Goessel scored late in the third period to trail by two points, 30-28. The defenses for both teams improved in the second half. As time was running out, the Bluebirds were putting together a march, but a Cougar interception sealed the victory for Centre.

The Bluebirds accumulated 245 yards rushing and 19 passing. Miguel Guerrero led the team with 81 yards on the ground and one touchdown, while Josh Schmidt followed with 70 yards and two touchdowns. Lucas Hiebert caught a pass from Chase Flaming for 19 yards.

Kellen Froese led the team with 7 solo tackles, and Matt Regier was credited with 10 total tackles.

Goessel is now 0-3 for the season and will begin district play Friday at Little River.