Top ranked Centreville Academy (1-0, 0-0) flexed their muscles Friday night at the Brookhaven Academy (0-1, 0-0) season home opener and head coach Blake Purvis’ first game at the helm.

The Cougars managed to climb within two scores by the third quarter only to see the Tigers pull away late and win, 49-14.

The Tigers converted on two special teams scores, both by junior Tyler Caston, including the opening kickoff, on their way to building a 28-0 lead in the first quarter.

The Cougars reached the redzone twice early in the first half, but senior quarterback Heath Hickman was picked off on each drive: once in the endzone and again inside the 5-yard line, ending promising scoring opportunities.

Hickman would right the ship and throw a 22-yard touchdown to senior receiver Caleb Brown with under a minute to play before halftime.

Connor Dorman, a senior, added a rushing touchdown in the third quarter to cut the Tigers lead to 28-14. Dorman finished with 116 yards rushing on 24 carries and a touchdown as well as a two-point conversion rushing. He also picked up 29 yards receiving.

Hickman, 14-26 passing for 159 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions, completed passes to six different receivers. Brown and junior tight end Carter Culbertson had four catches apiece, and sophomore Madison Smith and senior Michael Fiorella added two catches. Hickman also added 53 yards rushing on nine carries.

Senior Garret Pace led all Cougars tacklers with eight and junior William King chipped in four tackles and one interception.

The Cougars travel south to face Parklane next Friday night at 7 p.m.