The young Central High School varsity football team has suddenly improved to .500 for the season with its third win in a row, defeating host Bluestone High School 29-14 on Friday night.

“It was a tough game,” Chargers Head Coach Will Thomas said. “It was 14-14 at half. The kids played hard. They just kept digging away. (The Barons) went up on us first, and we answered.”

Central was able to overcome some mistakes, including a fumble about one yard out from the goal line at one point.

Thomas pointed to several Charger standouts, including wing back/defensive back Trey Patterson III, who caught an interception and had five solo tackles on defense and on offense, made a crucial 20-yard run on fourth down in the second quarter that set up a game-tying touchdown.

“Trey Patterson played really well,” the coach said.

Defensive back/quarterback Ben Anthony also drew praise from Thomas after leading Central with eight total tackles, including four solo tackles and two for a loss.

Geontra Ragsdale continued to be a consistent force on defense for the Chargers, recording six tackles, including two solo and three for a loss.

Other offensive performers of note included Khalil Wood, who had 15 carries for 64 yards and a touchdown, and Anthony, who also ran for a touchdown.

The Chargers had started the year with a trio of losses in which they were outscored 122-38, but they broke into the win column Wednesday, Sept. 12, with a 14-7 overtime home win against Buckingham County High School and then hit the road to defeat winless Cumberland County High School 48-6 on Sept. 21.

“It’s like a switch got turned on by those guys, so hopefully we’ll keep on going,” Thomas said.

Central (3-3) is set to host Randolph-Henry High School (0-4) on Friday at 7 p.m.

Thomas praised the strength of the Statesmen offensive and defensive lines and noted that Randolph-Henry has played teams close this season.