Central reaches first Class 2 State Championship final, falls to Graham 34-7

HARRISONBURG, Va. (WHSV) - Central ended a historic season with a 34-7 loss to Graham in the Class 2 State Championship.

In 2021, the Falcons won their first Region 2B Championship. This season, the team won its second region title and reached its first Class 2 state final.

“These guys are everything,” said Central quarterback Ben Walters. “Everyone works so hard. We trusted our coaches all year and then we did something special.”

Walters is one of 16 seniors who helped lead the Falcons to consecutive region crowns.

“We realized we could be even better than last year,” said Central middle linebacker Tyler Forbes. “Everyone really brought their best effort.”

Central head coach Mike Yew ends his sixteenth season at the helm of the program.

“It’s an honor to be one of the schools that competed for a title today,” he said. “I’m proud of our team and proud of our community.”

Next fall, the Falcons will be playing for their third straight Region 2B title. Although the team will be losing a number of starters, Forbes will be returning for his final season in Woodstock.

“We are setting the tone,” said Forbes. “Next year, we’re going to train even harder and make it back to the state championship... and we’re going to win it this time.”

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