Centreville Defeats Hermitage in State Semifinals

HENRICO, Va.—The Centreville High School Wildcats won 10-9 over the Hermitage Panthers at the Virginia AAA Division 6 state semifinal football game on Saturday.

The Wildcats' victory in the state semifinals was their first since 2000. It was due in large part to their strong defense on the (until now) undefeated Panthers’ home field.

“They’ve been underrated all year,” Centreville head coach Chris Haddock said after the game.  “Everybody’s been talking about the weapons we have on offense, and really not talking about our defense. And I’ll tell you right now, I know Hermitage has a good defense, but I think one of the other best defenses in the state is up in Centreville, Virginia.” 

Hermitage scored a 3-point field goal early in the game after a 77-yard run. The team is also known for their strong defense, and by the end of the first quarter still managed to hold the Wildcats to 0. But by the end of the first half Centreville had tied the score at 3-3.

Things picked up for the Wildcats in the third quarter as they scored again with a touchdown pass from Mitch Ferrick to Chase Walter.  Senior Ken Ekanem’s four and a half sacks helped keep the Panthers’ points in single digits.

The Wildcats will play next against the Oscar Smith High School Tigers on Saturday at 4 p.m. at the University of Virginia, in Scott Stadium.