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Central High School hosted Ellwood Christian Academy Friday, and the Lions claimed their first victory of the season to celebrate homecoming with a 44-6 win.

Head coach Julian Little, in his first year as the Lions’ head coach, said the win was just what the team needed.

“This win is a big monkey off the team’s back,” Little said. “They have been working hard since the first part of June. I wanted it for them, so they can reap the benefits of their work.”

Jamarcus Rudolph put the Lions on the board first just minutes into the game. Michael McKenzie scored the lone touchdown for Ellwood.

Lee Moore widened Central’s lead with a 35-yard carry followed by a true kick by Corduris Coleman. Jaden Middleton ran 47 yards for the Lions’ next score and two more sprints by Moore went unanswered to end the first half with the Lions ahead 36-6.

Little said No. 0, Eron Foster, had been a team leader this season, bringing the cohesion the Lions needed.

“He has the command and the flow of the offense,” Little said. “That’s everything we have been needing.”

With a commanding lead, the Lions allowed no points to the Wildcats in the second half. Moore ran 25 yards to put up one more touchdown, and referees ran the clock nonstop before calling the game with two minutes left on the board.

Ellwood head coach Ray Blanks said the season is the first the Wildcats have played in five years.

“It’s one of those games where you come into and you play a good game, and then eventually the best team is going to win,” Blanks said. “We haven’t played high school football since 2019, so we’re just not back into swinging things. I’ve got a bunch of young kids. We’re still teaching. We’re still learning. The best part about it, I have my whole team back next year. I’m not losing anybody.”

Central will host Chickasaw on Oct. 4. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.