Cassopolis gets one win closer to qualifying for the MHSAA playoffs following a 49-6 win over visiting Centerville on homecoming Friday night.

A big play offense and solid defense in the first quarter set the tone for a successful first half for the Rangers.

Touchdowns from Nick Baker (rushing) and Bryce Saxton (receiving) and an interception by Austin Green help get thing started.

“We talked about coming out fast tonight,” Cassopolis coach Dan Purlee said.  “Leave no doubt coming out the gate and we did. We started out fast and played a great game in the first half offensively and defensively. Special teams were also really strong tonight.”

Cassopolis continued the dominance in the second quarter.

Three rushing touchdown from Alex Emerson, Kyjuan Lanier and Green; a receiving touchdown from Micha Welch and another interception put the Rangers in excellent position at halftime to get their fifth win of the season.

“You know you always worry about homecoming,” Purlee said. “The kids getting caught up in all the extracurricular things. They came out, they were excited, it was a big day and they came out ready to play tonight.”

With a running clock to start the second half and the game in hand, Purlee decided to rest some starters and get the second stringers some well-deserved reps on the field.

“We out our twos out there in the second half,” he said. “They got some reps in and that’s good because those guys are important to the team and good for them to get some game time.”

Emerson finished the scoring for the Rangers in the fourth quarter on a 52-yard scamper, his second of the evening.

The Rangers can gain at least a share of the BCS Athletic Conference division title and a state playoff berth with a win over visiting Bronson Friday night.

CASSOPOLIS 49, CENTREVILLE 6

At Cassopolis

Centreville     0          0          6          0 – 6

Cassopolis      14       28       0          7 – 49

CA – Nick Baker 39 run (Matt Locke kick)

CA – Bryce Saxton 10 pass from Shane Los (Locke kick)

CA – Alex Emerson 39 run (Locke kick)

CA – Micha Welch 7 pass from Los (Locke kick)

CA – Austin Green 45 run (Locke kick)

CA – Kyjuan Lanier 10 run (Locke kick)

CE – Jacob Milliman 1 run (kick blocked)

CA – Emerson 52 run (Locke kick)

Varsity records: Centreville 1-6, Cassopolis 5-2