This story was written by Glenwood Herald contributor Paul Shepard.

The latest Pike County football battle between the Centerpoint Knights and Murfreesboro Rattlers took place Friday night, Aug. 28, at Rattler Stadium.

Large crowds of fans for both teams filled the bleachers and spilled into available space around the field on a clear, warm evening, with a full moon rising behind the scoreboard during the second half.

The Rattlers took the opening kickoff and were moving the ball when Centerpoint’s Zach Boyett recovered a fumble with about three minutes left in the first quarter.

The Knights moved down the field, helped by a long run from quarterback Tony Valdez. The drive culminated in a 6-yard touchdown run by Ely Welch, who also scored on the 2-point conversion to put Centerpoint ahead 8-0 with about nine minutes left in the first half.

Another promising Murfreesboro drive was stopped at about the Centerpoint 34-yard line with under two minutes remaining in the half when C.J. Parish recovered a fumble. The Knights went into halftime with an 8-0 lead.

Centerpoint took the second-half kickoff and drove 62 yards, aided by Murfreesboro penalties. Hayden Dodson capped the drive with a 4-yard touchdown run. Braxton Martin ran for the 2-point conversion, extending Centerpoint’s lead to 16-0.

Having scored again early in the third quarter, Centerpoint appeared to have all the momentum, but Murfreesboro returned the ensuing kickoff for a touchdown and added the 2-point conversion, cutting the lead to 16-8.

The Knights were moving the ball on their next possession when the Rattlers recovered a fumble. That led to another Murfreesboro touchdown and 2-point conversion, tying the game 16-16 near the end of the third quarter.

Defense dominated much of the fourth quarter. After forcing a punt, Centerpoint took possession near midfield but struggled to move the ball until Valdez broke free for a 30-yard run, bringing the Knights to the Murfreesboro 14-yard line.

With under two minutes remaining, Valdez connected with Welch on a short pass. Welch broke multiple tackles on his way into the end zone for the go-ahead touchdown. Martin ran for the 2-point conversion, giving Centerpoint a 24-16 lead.

Murfreesboro fielded the ensuing kickoff and had time for a potential game-tying drive, but another turnover ended the threat when defensive back Levi Wright recovered a Rattlers fumble.

After picking up a first down, it appeared Centerpoint would be able to run out the clock. Murfreesboro, however, regained possession deep in its own territory with four seconds remaining. The Rattlers completed a short pass, but Centerpoint’s defense stopped the play and secured the 24-16 victory.

Both teams were heavily penalized, often at critical times, and turnovers played a significant role in the game. Centerpoint managed 200 yards of total offense, but it proved to be enough.

The Pike County trophy will return to Centerpoint for the foreseeable future.

The Knights will travel south Friday, Sept. 4, to take on the Fouke Panthers, a former conference opponent. The matchup will be a nonconference game as Fouke moves up in classification from 3A to 4A.

Fouke is also 1-0 after defeating the Horatio Lions 56-12 in its season opener.