In a crosstown rivalry that's been defined by recent surprises, the Champaign Central Maroons finally flipped the script. After falling to Centennial in the first game of their series the last two seasons, Central came out with a clear message: not this time.

Behind a relentless offense and dominant pitching, the Maroons rolled to a 15-1 victory in five innings Friday, extending their winning streak to nine games. It was a statement win that erased the sting of past letdowns.

"Not underestimating an opponent has been big for us," said senior Tre Cole, who set the tone early. "The first game against Centennial the last couple years has been a mental battle. We just had to not psych ourselves up and take it as just another opponent."

Central wasted no time. After Cole retired the Chargers in order in the top of the first, the Maroons sent 12 batters to the plate in the bottom half, scoring eight runs. Ben McDaniel ignited the rally with a two-run single, and Will Ciciora cleared the bases with a single of his own. Ryan Pipkins added a two-run triple, and John Timmons doubled to make it 8-0 before the inning was over.

The Maroons kept their foot on the gas, scoring three runs in both the second and third innings, then adding one more in the fourth. Nic Bralts led the charge with three hits and three runs scored, while Wilson McDaniel and Talin Baker each drove in two. It was Central's seventh time reaching double-digit runs in their last 10 games—a stretch that shows just how locked in this lineup is.

Cole was equally sharp on the mound, striking out nine batters over four innings. His only hit allowed was an infield single by Centennial's Isaiah Allen in the third. Allen showed impressive hustle, stealing second and third before scoring on a wild pitch—the lone run for the Chargers. Brody Krone closed it out with a scoreless fifth.

For Cole and the Maroons, this victory was about more than just the scoreboard. "We lost some key guys last year, so we kind of see ourselves as an underdog," Cole said. "That really motivates us to come out and show that we're not supposed to be an underdog. It's just confidence."

With that confidence and a nine-game win streak, Central (17-5) is proving they're a team to watch—and one that's learned from past mistakes.