DANVILLE, Ky. — Centre College improved to 5-0 and 1-0 in the Southern Athletic Association after defeating visiting Berry College, 44-7, on Saturday. With the defeat, the Vikings dropped to 1-4, 0-2.
Quarterback Heath Haden was 24-32 for 227 yards to lead Centre. He passed for three touchdowns and ran for another.
The Vikings’ lone score was a 22-yard touchdown pass from Dale Jackson to Chris Lilly in the third quarter. Campbell Harrison made the extra point, which cut the margin to 28-7. The Vikings’ scoring drive was eight plays for 75 yards and took 2:58 off the clock.
Jackson was 14-32 for 190 yards, but also threw two interceptions. Lilly had six catches for 112 yards in the contest.
On defense, BC’s Matt Farinella had a game-best 13 tackles. Anthony Batey added 10 tackles and Kreg Keiffer recorded an interception for the Vikings.
Centre produced 486 total yards and 31 first downs in the game. Berry countered with 246 yards and 17 first downs. The Colonels had a large edge in rushing yards, 239-38.
The Colonels held a 7-0 lead after the first quarter and were ahead 21-0 at halftime. The home team scored 23 points to Berry’s seven in the third period. Neither team tallied in the final quarter.
“We knew this was going to be a tough trip as Centre has a very good program,” said Berry Head Coach Tony Kunczewski. “This wasn’t our best performance, but a lot of that had to do with our opponent: They have very few weaknesses. We will regroup and be better next week.”
The Vikings host Hendrix in a battle of second-year football programs next Saturday. Game time is 1 p.m. at Barron Stadium.
