Central coach Jeff Wallace wants this year’s team to write its own history.

The Indians nearly scribed a huge chapter Friday night against Staley at Noyes Field. Despite a inauspicious start, Central battled Class 5’s top team the whole way in a 28-14 loss, holding the No. 1-ranked Falcons to their second-lowest point output of the season.

In an inspired performance, Central showed its mettle in the Class 5 District 12 loss.

“I saw it in our eyes before the game,” Wallace said. “They were just different. They were locked in, focused at the task at hand. “I said these guys are ready to go. They’re going to play well tonight, and they did.”

The last of Central’s two postseason appearances came in 1995, and this year’s Indians will have to wait a week to see if they can join the exclusive club. Next Friday, Central battles Park Hill (5-4) in matchup of teams 1-1 in district play for an elusive playoff spot.

“They’re going to play their best, and I promise you they’ll get our best,” Wallace said.

If Central can squeeze past its historical road block, the Indians could earn another shot at the Falcons in the playoffs.

The Indians (5-4) fell behind 21-0 after 14 minutes against unbeaten Staley (9-0) but turned in three strong quarters after the frustrating start despite a limited offense. Central star running back Corey Jackson carried only three times on Central’s first three possessions and wound up with only 24 yards on 17 tries.

The defense kept the Indians close, and quarterback Darrin Dudley ran for 72 yards and a pair of scores and made eight of his 13 completions to Cordell Bell for 73 yards.

“We just kept hitting them in the mouth, just kept playing physical, never backed down,” Central lineman Jack Viestenz said. “We’ve got a darn good football team, too. We were excited to be here.”

Staley quarterback Tyler Hosick and running back Aaron Steward put up 130 rushing yards in the 21-point burst but managed only 77 the rest of the way, sacking Hosick five times in that span.

After throwing interceptions on Central’s first two drives, Central quarterback Darrin Dudley engineered an eight-play, 68-yard touchdown drive following Staley’s third first-half touchdown. The senior capped it with a 5-yard scramble to the right pylon to make it 21-7 with 6:55 left before the half.

Central held Staley without a point for more than 27 minutes but couldn’t come closer despite the surprisingly staunch defense. The Indians were allowing more than 31 points per game during the four-game winning streak the Falcons snapped.

“We thought that their offense clearly was playing at a level that was above their defense,” Staley coach Fred Bouchard said. “Defensively, they were giving up some points. Offensively, they were charging up and down the field.

“They kind of flipped it.”

Central’s best chance to close within one score came midway through the third.

Staley punt returner Mitch Van Engen let Brad Schlange’s punt roll past him but went back and attempted to pick it up at his own 1. Van Engen couldn’t corral it, setting up a scrum. Central’s Dre Irvin eventually batted the ball forward, and Central’s Corey Jackson fell on it at the Falcons’ 1.

As the Indians’ celebrated a momentum shift and a first-and-goal opportunity, the officials flagged both teams for holding prior to the punt, offsetting fouls that led to a re-kick.

“Did we dodge a bullet? Absolutely,” Bouchard said.

Staley went back ahead 21 midway through the fourth quarter, and Dudley’s second 5-yard TD scramble on the ensuing possession only made the final score look better. Central’s final possession ended when Staley cornerback A.G. Squires picked off Dudley for the third time.

Ross Martin can be reached at ross.martin@newspressnow.com