The Central Cyclones and Peacock Tornadoes have had a storied history over the years, especially when it comes to high school football.

Another epic encounter took place Friday between the teams in an 8-6 win by Peacock (2-1).

Peacock defensive back Jude Tysdal-Fall was able to intercept the Cyclones (2-1) in the end zone, snuffing out a threatening drive.

Peacock coach Bert Redstone said Central is a strong team that can make big plays.

“So it really just has to be controlled football,” said Redstone. “You can’t overreact. They’re going to get big gains, which they did. You just have to limit it... as best you can. Luckily we were able to get a couple of breaks in our favour. There were some close plays that went our way again. Like we said to the guys at the end, it’s a nice win but it’s not a clean win.

Before the game, Redstone and the coaching staff put their situation to the team bluntly.

“You guys have put yourselves in a position where this was basically a must win,” he said. “And they responded. Practice was good this week. Kids understood that they needed to learn some football.”

Peacock’s lone touchdown was scored on a 60 yard pass from Kyle Yamniuk to Drake Luebke – one of only four receptions on the day for Peacock’s receiving corps.

After settling for a single on a missed field goal, Peacock had an 8-0 lead.

Late in the fourth quarter, running back Ryan Vincent ran the ball in for three yards for Central’s lone touchdown, but the 2-point convert attempt was stopped by the Tornadoes.

On the ensuing kickoff, Central went for the short kickoff but Peacock grabbed it and got one more first down for the win.

Mistakes are possible with young players like what Central has, according to Cyclones coach Colin Belsher.

“No discredit to Peacock. I thought they outplayed us today,” said Belsher. “They played a lot harder than we did. They got those yards when they needed them and unfortunately we didn’t and that’s what happens at the end of the football game.”

Part of being a young team means things are easier than when you’re faced with adversity, Belsher explained.

Weyburn (2-0) beat Vanier (0-3) 24-13 and Yorkton (2-0) defeated Swift Current (1-2) 35-14 in the weekend's other games.

At Weyburn, the Eagles led the Vikings 17-0 at halftime before holding on for the win. Ben Michel had 170 yards and three touchdowns for Weyburn.

This weekend will see Yorkton against Peacock at 1 p.m. and Estevan at Vanier at 3:15 p.m. Depending on temperature conditions, those games are likely to be at Elks Field.

The other game Saturday has Swift Current travelling to Weyburn.