Photo Credit: Jeff Stead/PrepsKC 
Center proved worthy of its top 10 ranking with a 42-7 win over Lincoln College Prep on Friday night.
The Yellowjackets never trailed and have now outscored their first two opponents by a combined 103-14.
"I thought the boys were ready to play, and played with great enthusiasm and passion," Center head coach Bryan DeLong said. "I know I don't want to see them (Lincoln Prep) in the playoffs. Their kids are resilient and tough. They will get better. We have the advantage that we've been running this stuff for a while. We have a great group of seniors that make us look smart."
Center came out with a purpose, scoring on their second snap of the game.
Jacorey Love raced 70 yards for the game’s first score and gave the eighth-ranked Yellowjackets a 7-0 lead.
On Center’s next possession, Love found the end zone again and it was a 14-point lead with 4:47 to go in the first quarter.
Lincoln Prep would get a much-needed touchdown in the closing minutes of the first.
Zackary Shelby found Jaden Smith, who juked two defenders and sprinted down the sideline for the 39-yard touchdown.
Going into second quarter it was just a one-score game (14-7).
However, Center dominated the second 12 minutes with a 7-yard rushing score by Harold Tsafack and Love's third rushing TD of the first half to make it 28-7 at halftime.
"They made a nice play in the pass game, and it looked like they might get right back in the game," DeLong said. "I thought our kids stepped up and did some things to get back control of the game."
The story didn’t change in the second half.
An 18-yard TD pass from Joseph Vick to Armand Russell pushed the Center lead to 35-7 at the 8:57 mark of the third.
Deandre Pruett's rushing touchdown from 38 yards out on 4th down with 3:29 left in the game initiated the running clock and punctuated Center's 35-point win.
"We have a great group of kids here at Center," DeLong said. "As far as grades, respect and coming to weights all summer, this is one of the best groups we've had. They're special. We're just going to enjoy every minute, every day, every practice. It's a blessing."
Center (2-0) travels to Oak Grove (0-2) next week.
Lincoln Prep (1-1) will host Pembroke Hill (0-2).
