6 takeaways from Centennial's 38-0 win over Jensen Beach

PORT ST. LUCIE – Quick takeaways from St. Lucie West Centennial’s 38-0 win over Jensen Beach on Wednesday night …

1. Give a game ball to the interior of Centennial’s offensive line. 

Left guard Phillip Branchetti, center Dyllon Lewis and right guard Collin Wieder paved the way as the majority of the Eagles rushing yards came up the middle. Offensive coordinator Josh Watkins did a nice job of establishing the run early against the Falcons 3-man front and sprinkling in the play action pass. Centennial coaches believe Lewis is one of the premier lineman on the Treasure Coast and he sure played like it Wednesday.

2. Centennial’s defense is really good

Ok, this probably isn’t a news flash, especially considering the Eagles have five players with Division I or I-AA offers. But Centennial is fast, physical and registered its second shutout (including the Kickoff Classic). Defensive back Dre Grace had two interceptions, linebacker Deshauwn Alleyne had several impressive tackles and an aggressive defense held the Falcons to 32 rushing yards on 29 carries. Oh, and Centennial has done all this without junior defensive end Jamari Stewart (knee), who has a couple Power 5 offers. Stewart could be in the lineup next week.

3. Centennial’s defense is really good … but this wasn’t Jensen Beach’s offense

The Falcons had several factors working against them, not the least of which was a short week to get backup quarterback Bradyn Bytheway up to speed. With Dylan Duchene (concussion protocol) and Jamaris Bess (leg) out, it was up to Bytheway to carry the load, which meant coach Tim Caffey had to shorten his playbook. This is a different offense with Duchene and Bess in the lineup. Both are expected to play against Cocoa next week. That will be Jensen Beach's final tune-up before District 14-6A play.

More:Week 2 scoreboard: Jensen Beach, Centennial face off Wednesday

4. Blayne Watkins has taken the reins of Centennial’s offense

The junior quarterback got the start Wednesday and was very efficient. He completed 8 of 10 passes for 141 yards and a touchdown (to Cole Mistretta – for the second week in a row). Watkins also rushed for 29 yards and a touchdown. He understands what the offense is supposed to do and would have had a much bigger night if not for drop to a wide-open receiver on a third-down pass. Centennial has a package for senior Myles Youngblood, but Watkins will get the majority of the playing time.

More:Centennial's Youngblood had a long journey to the end zone | Jon Santucci

5. Bytheway deserves respect (and an ice bath)

At times, the 5-foot-7, 170-pound Bytheway looked like Rocky Balboa fighting Ivan Drago. He’d get pounded, but he popped up every time. Bytheway’s stat line isn’t spectacular (21 carries for 27 yards and 11 of 24 passing for 90 yards), but he was under constant pressure, completed several passes while being drilled by Centennial defenders and ran hard up the middle every time his number was called. Multiple Centennial coaches mentioned how impressed they were with Bytheway’s toughness.

6. If he stays healthy, Liam Zaccheo will lead the Treasure Coast in tackles

Part of it is the Falcons scheme and part of it is the junior safety’s talent, but Zaccheo continues to be around the ball on every play. He was tied for the area lead with 19 tackles in the season opener and certainly had double-digit tackles again on Wednesday.