Centralia took care of business on Friday night to open districts.

The state No. 5 Panthers won 56-12 against Versailles (0-10) in the Class 2 District 5 playoffs in Centralia. The Panthers stay at home at 7 p.m. Friday against South Callaway (6-4).

Centralia reached 50 points for the fourth time this season after accumulating 303 total yards – 266 rushing yards – while allowing 147 yards. The Panthers eclipsed 300 yards yet again after last week’s 20-17 win at Kirksville was the first time they didn’t reach the number, and head coach Tyler Forsee said took care of business against a “very young” Versailles team.

“Our kids did a good job of going at it like a business trip,” Forsee said. “We didn’t overlook them. We didn’t treat them like a 0-9 team. We treated them like a team that was playing to beat us.”

Centralia led 34-0 after one quarter and 48-0 at halftime. Ethan Ross led with 147 yards and one touchdown on 11 carries, Cooper Gehring had 64 yards and two touchdowns on six carries, and Charlie Robinson had 38 yards and one touchdown on two carries. Ian Arellano had one rushing touchdown and his six tackles led a defense that forced three turnovers.

Ross has big-play potential for Centralia as the team’s second-leading rusher going into the night. Forsee said it was good to see a different side of Ross.

“He ran tough, which is what we’re needing him to do,” Forsee said. “A few times, I feel like he doesn’t always run the toughest and he’s looking to go for a big play. He did a good job of sticking his nose in there tonight and getting positive yards every single play.”

Forsee said it was great to see Centralia move the season along by “executing and not being complacent.” He said the Panthers need to continue doing that after South Callaway upset state No. 2 Warsaw (9-1) 14-7 on Friday night.

“I haven’t seen South Callaway but know they got a couple good players,” Forsee said. “Now we’ll see South Callaway and see what they offer.”