Coming into Thursday night’s AISA playoff game, Central Christian Academy coach John Niblett knew his squad was in for a challenge.

Facing the South Montgomery County Academy Raiders, many of Niblett’s best players stood right beside him on the sidelines in street clothes.

Despite a bizarre start to the game, CCA held it close through the first half. The Raiders pulled away in the second for a 37-0 win.

On offense, the Warriors never got on track.

They had some chances for big plays early but couldn’t connect.

Despite a severely sprained knee and a banged up throwing hand, CCA quarterback Tee Woods showed a lot of heart.

Woods ran the ball and put himself in harm’s way trying to lead the team to the win.

He left the game in the fourth quarter, after re-injuring his knee.

Pass-happy SMCA focused on the running game a trick offense early. To protect quarterback Ryne Rials, who was playing with an injured shoulder, the Raiders snapped the ball to running back

Brent Kohn.

Kohn finished with 72 yards and a touchdown on the ground.

He also had 72 yards, a touchdown and an interception passing the ball.

Freshman Curtis Mitchell had an interception for the Warriors.

Clayton Smith and Bryan Browning also made several stops.

In the end, CCA just didn’t have enough healthy football players to win.