The Buttons put the Bloodhounds in the dog house, Friday, as they sliced through a 37-31 homecoming victory. The win snaps Central’s five game losing streak and keeps the Buttons in contention for a second consecutive district championship. The win spouts Central up to second place in district; behind Antonian who beat St. Anthony.

Much improved from their last game against St. Thomas,  the Buttons offense hit the ground running, Friday. Bombs away was the Buttons’ momentum,  as quarterback Jacob Nava zipped his way to 217 yards passing with two zingers to the house. The most notable, a 78 yard rocket to none other than Thomas Palomera who once again came in clutch against St. Joseph’s. After coming away with just four yards against Houston St. Thomas the Buttons running backs had a chip on their shoulders. With the return of their starter, Caleb Salinas, the Buttons were able to pound the Bloodhounds with 107 rushing yards.

In what has been a tough non-district season for Central’s defense; the Buttons were able to pin the ears of the Bloodhounds. They knew going into the game that they had to play lights out as they were squaring up against star quarterback, Kai Money, and they delivered. After falling down 10-3 after one quarter the Buttons would defense was a no fly zone; giving Central the reins. With every hit to the bloodhound’s star they seemed get inside Money’s head. The Buttons secondary also came away with jarring hits in the open field, leaving St. Joe’s receivers seeing stars. Sophomore John Montelongo also came away with a momentum swinging interception which seemed to have rattled the Bloodhound quarterback . At the end of the game it was clear that Central Catholic was the dominant team.

There’s no such thing as homecoming without the football game, and the Buttons got the party pumping and kept their season alive. Going into the bye last week, Coach Green summed up Central’s mission going forward: “Now, phase two begins by defending our district championship, we have this bye week to get healed up,  and re-energize for our new task at hand. As of now, our record is 0-0, with our team goal, Repeat as Champions”. The Buttons signified their season’s renewal with tearing off their “CC” stickers. The team earned one sticker back after practice this week. They wanted this game to be a reboot as they were thrust into district play, and after the game, it was crystal clear that the Buttons still pack a punch. The rough road is behind them and now the Apaches are the next target as phase two has been unleashed.