Stability isn’t always a given in football.

Personnel stability, in particular, as Centralia has had its fair share of injury troubles this season. The Panthers didn’t have any injuries for the first time this season as they defeated Clarence Cannon Conference foe Palmyra 44-12 at home, extending their winning streak this season and against Palmyra (3-5) to four games.

Head coach Tyler Forsee said it felt like the “first time in forever” Centralia (6-2) has been playing the same kids in the backfield during this winning streak. The Panthers, who received votes in the Class 2 state poll, ran for 256 yards, including 253 yards and four rushing touchdowns on 21 carries by Ethan Ross. This night broke the season-highs of 215 yards and three touchdowns he set last week at South Shelby.

“A big part is the continuity of those guys understanding what they’ve got to do and how to get better and what they’ve got to work on,” Forsee said. “It took a long time to get to that point where we’re comfortable in doing what we’re doing.”

After another week of key injuries in a loss to Monroe City, Centralia hasn’t lost since as it has installed new faces into its new offense. Forsee said the familiarity Centralia has needed just doesn’t include the ability to run certain plays but how well do players mesh together.

“There are a lot of things you just need playing time with,” Forsee said. “If guys keep getting hurt, it’s like we’re starting from scratch all over again.”

The first quarter didn’t reflect the end result of the game as Forsee said Palmyra responded to Centralia’s opening kick-off return touchdown with a 12-play scoring drive. The Panthers had a 14-6 halftime lead before the lead ballooned to 30-6 after the third quarter.

Palmyra didn’t score again until the fourth quarter, but Centralia had plenty of cushion by that point. Forsee said his kids know what adjustments they need to make like how the offensive line needed to counter Palmyra’s defensive game plan.

“We just talked. That’s what goes on in the locker room,” Forsee said about halftime. “How can we run this play better? Do we need to change up the blocking on this or that? Our kids are giving great suggestions on what needs to get done so we can be successful. Our kids are so unselfish with their suggestions.”

Forsee said Centralia didn’t allow many first downs in the second half and even pushed Palmyra back at times. The Panthers collected six tackles for loss, including two each from Anthony Ford and Jameson Cooper. Ford led the team with eight tackles, Louis Suddarth followed with seven tackles and a tackle for loss, and Cooper had six tackles along with a sack.

“Our kids tackled in the open field exceptionally well,” Forsee said. “Our special teams did a great job on kickoff coverage. They did a good job of keeping them inside the 30 on, I think, every possession. In high school football, that’s pretty good.”

Forsee said Class 2 Centralia needs to carry a certain attitude into this week’s regular season finale at 7 p.m. Friday at home against Class 4 No. 3 Kirksville (8-0).

“I’m not saying we’re going to go in there and win, but our kids are ready to go compete and are excited for the challenge,” Forsee said. “We lost games already this year so we’re not scared to lose. We have nothing to lose.”