Devonte Black powers Rich Central past United

Updated: October 22, 2011 12:38AM

The 43 points Rich Central scored in its shutout win Friday over East Moline United were impressive enough. But it might have been more helpful if those points were the Olympians’ playoff total.

The nonconference win improved Rich Central to 5-4, but 36 playoff points coming in and only one guaranteed to come out of the final weekend left the Olympians squarely on the playoff bubble and in need of upsets that weren’t forthcoming.

“I just wanted these guys to come out and finish strong, and they did that,” first-year Olympians coach Terrell Alexander said. “They showed a lot of class.”

Especially quarterback Devonte Black, who completed 13-for-21 passes for 304 yards and four touchdowns. Two each went to Shawn Mitchell Jr. and Shawn Calhoun, the former finishing the day with four catches for 153 yards, the latter with three catches for 59 yards.

Running back James Thigpen (19 carries, 128 yards) added a five-yard score and Isaac Rodgers had a 15-yard interception return for the other touchdowns.

All except Rodgers are among the 16 seniors on Rich Central’s 27-man roster.

“They’re great kids,” Alexander said. “They’ve got a great work ethic. Sometimes you struggle with seniors. These guys made it easy.

“I pray we get an opportunity to continue this.”

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