Centennial made program history Thursday in Stillwater, while exacting a little revenge in the process.

The Cougars bounced third-seeded Rosemount 24-0 in the Class 6A state quarterfinals to reach the semifinals for the first time since 1984. Centennial will meet the winner of the East Ridge-Lakeville South quarterfinal — which will be played Friday — next Thursday at U.S. Bank Stadium with a trip to the Prep Bowl on the line.

Thursday’s result came a year after Rosemount beat Centennial 27-0 in the same round. But Centennial left no doubt as to who was the superior team this season.

In two games between the two squads this season, Centennial outscored the Irish 33-0, shutting out Rosemount both times.

Centennial’s 9-0 victory in Week 7 came on a night where the Cougars lost three fumbles. There were no such mistakes Thursday. Centennial dominated the night from the outset.

The Cougars defense was relentless, stifling Rosemount’s Wing-T offense. The Irish ran for just 15 yards in the first half Thursday, and things were no better over the final 24 minutes.

Perhaps that was to be expected in a matchup that featured two of the best defenses in Class 6A. Rosemount (6-5) entered the night allowing just 13.9 points per game. Centennial (10-1) surrendered just 14 per night.

But Centennial’s offense found success on the ground against the Irish, as Maverick Harper went over 100 yards rushing and Rosemount had difficulty stopping Centennial in short-yardage situations.

Centennial led 10-0 at the break and received to start the second half. That opening drive essentially decided the contest, as the Cougars delivered a 15-play, 65-yard drive that ate nine minutes of clock and ended in a 5-yard touchdown run by Daylen Cummings to make it 17-0.

Rosemount was forced to try to get more aggressive and turned the ball over on each of its next two plays — an interception by Centennial defensive back Will Quick and a recovered fumble. The interception led to a rushing touchdown for Harper. Rosemount ran just seven plays in the second half.

The Cougars enter the state semifinals as winners of seven straight.

Related Articles

High school football: Friday’s state quarterfinal predictions

High school football: Thursday state quarterfinal predictions

High School Football Roundup: East Ridge continues Cinderella run to state

High school football playoffs: Lakeville North passes through Forest Lake

High school football: Alec Mahoney helps Mahtomedi top Cretin-Derham Hall, advance to state