10/27/2018
INSPIRING END FOR VARSITY FOOTBALL IN 2018
This season will not be soon forgotten, but it's not because of the historical 0-8 start to the year.
This season will be remembered because of the story that was told by the Centerville Elks tonight. It's a story of struggle, perseverance, and triumph - an inspiring story every person needs to hear and learn from.
After losing over 18 starters from the 2017 Regional Semi-Finalist team that exceeded all expectations under first year head coach Brent Ullery, the Elks headed into 2018 hopeful and full of excitement for another great year. However, it wasn't meant to be.
After early season losses to Fairfield and Lakota West, the Elks had to go up against nearby rival Kettering Archbishop Alter. After a hard fought game, the Knights won an "epic" game late in the 4th Quarter to hand the Elks a truly heartbreaking loss.
Deflated, the Elks continued to struggle losing to state ranked Springfield 49-6 at Centerville Stadium. Following that loss was a 35-0 shut out defeat at the hands of Springboro with the perennial powerhouse from Huber Heights visiting Centerville for Homecoming the following Friday.
The team faced backlash and criticism from seemingly everyone surrounding the program and for a moment it felt like the Centerville tradition that had existed for decades was crumbling apart.
But the naysayers were wrong - and the Elks were more than ready to prove it.
Friday, September 29th was the night when we learned what this team was TRULY made of. Coming into "Wayne Week" as heavy underdogs, the Elks could have easily let the Warriors do whatever they wanted. But this team refused to back down and competed with one of the best teams in the state to the bitter end falling by a final score of 35-21.
They may not have beaten the Warriors that day but they for sure gained their respect and gained confidence in themselves in the process.
In the following weeks, the Elks fell in a battle against the #1 ranked team in the region Clayton Northmont by a score of 35-20. The Elks would then fall once again to Lebanon in a tight road game, 20-12, blowing a 4th Quarter lead to a talented team.
The shadow of doubt that the Elks would finish 0-10 for the first time in school history began to fester in the minds of those surrounding the program and the Fairmont Firebirds thought that their 20-year losing streak to CHS would come to an end as well.
The doubters? They were wrong.
The state ranked Firebirds? They weren't ready for what was coming.
The Elks marched into Kettering, led by a freshman quarterback, and shut out the Firebirds 17-0 to keep the winning streak alive winning their first game of the season. That's when the tradition of excellence began to radiate from within the men in Black and Gold. They had faced defeat at the hands of FIVE playoff bound teams but finally found a way to win. And to top it off they won emphatically over a long-time rival who is at the height of their program's newfound success.
Tonight, the Elks displayed more than just dominance. After leading 52-7 at Beavercreek at halftime they showed heart, passion, determination, and that good ole' "ELK TOUGHNESS" to showcase what they are truly capable of. Does this performance resonate a 2-8 season to you? Because it sure as heck doesn't to me.
It took time, but this team found a way to overcome such incredible adversity and they've never been more confident in themselves. Every week, they became better, faster, stronger, and hungrier than ever before. Learn from this team. Learn from this brotherhood. Never give up and never stop believing in yourself. It's amazing what you can accomplish when you believe.
The future for this program is bright and we cannot wait to see what that future holds!
Thank you to the Seniors, the parents, the alumni, the coaches, the student body, and to the entire Centerville community for the continued commitment in supporting this proud, storied program. YOU are what makes Centerville High School truly a special place!
The next chapter for this team will begin next fall and even if it doesn't live up to expectations we are proud and WILL ALWAYS be proud of our Centerville Elks!
🦌 ELK PRIDE NEVER DIES! LET'S GO ELKS! 🦌
