dangell@journalnet.com

On the second play of the game, it appeared to be business as usual for Pocatello against Century.

Indians running back Jerron Batts took the ball on the second play of the game and outraced everyone for a 77-yard touchdown.

"We were on our heels and they caught us at the wrong time," Century defensive back Albert Ramirez said.

While the Indians celebrated, the Century defense vowed that it would not happen again. Then the Diamondbacks spent the next 59 minutes making sure that this would be their night.

After that touchdown, Century scored 41 unanswered points and emphatically ended Pocatello's reign as the 4A Fifth District champions with a 41-13 rout of the Indians to claim the trophy.

"That was enjoyable," Century coach Nate Borchert said. "We did exactly what we set out to do. These guys have been working for this for a long time, and as a coach, you love it. To see these guys work so hard for so long, it's gratifying to see them when they come out on top."

The Diamondbacks' (5-3, 2-0 4A Fifth District) offensive senior trio of Terrance Quenton, Michael Semons and Rhys Borchert made sure that their final regular-season home game in Century uniforms would be a night they would never forget.

After taking a 14-7 lead into the locker room, Quenton started the second half with a 65-yard touchdown run on the first play of the second half, the second of his three touchdowns. After that play, the Indians (2-6, 1-1) never threatened in the game again.

"That was nice," Quenton said. "I started cramping up at the end, but I still got the touchdown. We've been waiting four years and hadn't beat them yet. We wanted to beat them since this was our last year playing them."

Then it was Semons' turn.

After the Diamondbacks stopped the Indians on a fourth-down attempt, the senior quarterback followed with a quick touchdown strike, then fired another one after a Pocatello turnover.

"It's an amazing feeling," Semons said. "There's almost nothing better in the world to be here with all your friends, playing our game and coming out on top. We put in a ton of time, and it showed."

On the defensive side of the ball, it was another senior, Ramirez, making the big plays. He and junior Ty Ravsten combined for four interceptions, ensuring the Indians could not beat Century through the air.

"I've waited four long years to finally do that," Ramirez said of beating Pocatello. "Nate (Wall) is my good-luck charm. Every time he tips the ball, I always go get it. I finally got one for myself, and it feels good to get the 'W' tonight."

The win means that Century will face Blackfoot in the first round of the 4A state playoffs next week. Earlier in the year, the Diamondbacks lost a close game at Blackfoot by a final of 20-15. The Diamondbacks said that they gave that game away with mistakes, and they can't wait to get another shot at the Broncos.

"That's who we wanted," Quenton said. "I'm pretty sure that we can beat them."

For Pocatello, the season continues as well. The Indians will face Jerome in their first playoff game, one of the two teams they defeated in the regular season.

But after the first minute of the game, the night belonged to Century and the Diamondback seniors, who had waited for this moment ever since completing an 0-8 season two years ago.

"It feels awesome," Rhys Borchert said. "I'm so proud of my team. We executed so perfectly, and I'm so proud of my team. To have things end so perfectly is just awesome."