Gazette-Times

SALEM - Casey Conner returned the opening kickoff 87 yards for a touchdown and Central High opened the season with a 32-0 victory over Santiam Christian on Friday night at Willamette University.

Santiam Christian, which reached the 3A title game last year but graduated most of their starting lineup, turned the ball over three times in the red zone.

In addition to his kickoff return, Conner scored on a 57-yard run and an interception return for 4A Central.

The Eagles had three quarterbacks see action, and had several players in positions they haven't normally played in the past.

"I think that we definitely learned some things about our kids and their positions," SC coach Steve Woods said. "We can take away some good things and build from it. We've only had nine official practices."

Conner had his touchdown run and interception return in the third quarter as the Panthers added o to their 20-0 halftime lead.

"You take away the big plays and turnovers and it's really a tight game," Woods said.

Demetri Howerton completed 11 of 20 passes but had three interceptions in his first varsity start.

Keith Petersen had 37 yards rushing and Korey Alexander 27 for the Eagles.

Woods said the Eagles played well on defense. Eric Hellesto, Michael Norlander and Andrew Seumalo each had eight tackles, with Seumalo adding a sack.

The Eagles are at Kennedy next Friday.

Central 32, Santiam Christian 0

CENTRAL 7 13 12 0 - 32

SANTIAM CHRISTIAN 0 0 0 0 - 0

First quarter

C - Conner 87 KO return (Deberkow kick)

Second quarter

C - Phillips 19 pass from Erik Omid (Deberkow kick)

C - Gratrek 2 yard pass from Omid (kick failed)

Third quarter

C - Casey Conner 57 run (pass failed)

C - Conner INT return (kick failed)

RUSHING - Santiam Christian: Petersen 10-37, Alexander 8-27, Norlander 3-4, Howerton 1-6, Hansen 4-12

PASSING - Santiam Christian: Howerton 11-20-3 79, Alexander 3-5-0 35, Hansen 1-1-0 10

RECEIVING - Santiam Christian: Richardson 4-24, Herrold 3-29, Hansen 3-17, Alexander 2-39, Seumalo 2-11