Last Second Field Goal Snaps Rams Losing Streak with win over Pam Pack
Written by: Jayden Willis
WASHINGTON—The Greene Central Rams came into Friday’s game against the Washington Pam Pack on a four-game losing streak. The Rams had also not secured a conference win this season. They couldn’t have picked a better way to break both streaks than with a last-second field goal by Samuel Avent to defeat the Pam Pack 31-29.
The Rams had discussed their struggles in recent games, with most losses coming by one possession over the past four weeks. The start of this game looked like it might be more of the same, with the Rams scoring first but failing to add any points for the rest of the half. Michael Suggs gave Greene Central an early lead with a rushing touchdown, but by halftime, the Rams trailed by one.
“Coach Whitehurst called an amazing game tonight,” said Head Coach Jason Wilson. “Shout out to him for hitting the joystick tonight and really putting things in place.”
Offensive Coordinator Whitehurst had the Rams' offense moving in the second half as if he were playing with a joystick. The Rams came alive after the break, with sophomore quarterback Josh Centar scoring the first of his three second-half touchdowns to set the tone in the third quarter.
However, it wasn’t smooth sailing for the Rams, as the Pam Pack used special teams to regain momentum. They blocked a punt, setting up a rushing touchdown, and later recovered an onside kick to take a one-point lead heading into the fourth quarter.
“These guys have played together for years,” Wilson said. “They work together, practice every day, run routes, and build trust in each other.”
That trust was evident between Centar and senior wide receiver Christian Tavarez. At times, it felt like they were playing a two-man game, with Whitehurst still leading the way from the sidelines. Tavarez scored his second touchdown on a bubble screen, putting the Rams ahead by seven with four minutes to play.
On their next drive, the Pam Pack offense appeared determined to spoil Greene Central's night. Aided by penalties against the Rams, they marched down the field, scoring on a 2-yard run by running back Anderson Thomas to take a one-point lead with just over a minute left.
“Josh had that moment as a quarterback tonight,” Wilson said, “and it’s only his sixth or seventh game playing quarterback at the varsity level.”
With little time remaining, Centar needed to orchestrate a drive to at least give his team a chance. The final drive started shakily, as an intentional grounding call pushed the Rams back. But a clutch fourth-and-17 conversion—courtesy of a pass to Kameron Vandiford—kept their hopes alive. Centar then connected with Tavarez on another bubble screen to move into better field position.
With one second left, the Rams had one last chance on a Hail Mary. Centar launched the ball toward Tavarez, who drew a pass interference penalty. This moved the ball to the 13-yard line, leaving Coach Wilson with a major decision: kick or let Whitehurst use his joystick for one more play?
“They told me after the PI that they do this sometimes during the day,” Wilson said. “They kick field goals, and Christian said, ‘We can kick it.’”
With the game on the line, after Tavarez urged his coach to kick, Wilson sent out Avent to attempt a 30-yard field goal. Avent had not attempted a single field goal all season but was now tasked with making his first one for the win.
“I was just hoping I didn’t miss,” Avent said. “I’m going to sleep with this ball tonight.”
Avent lined up for the kick with Centar as the holder. Centar received the snap cleanly, secured the hold, and Avent drilled the 30-yard attempt, giving the Rams a two-point victory.
The Rams stormed the field in celebration after earning their first conference win of the season. Centar finished the game with 209 passing yards and three total touchdowns, while Tavarez racked up 128 receiving yards with two touchdowns. The victory improves Greene Central’s record to 4-4 overall and 1-3 in the conference, breathing new life into their season as they prepare for homecoming against the West Craven Eagles next week.
The Pam Pack suffered their first conference loss in heartbreaking fashion, dropping to 3-4 overall and 2-1 in the conference. They will look to bounce back next week against the North Pitt Panthers.
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