At first it looked like the visiting Bluestone High School varsity football team might spoil the game that was part of Central’s High School 50th anniversary homecoming celebration Friday.

The Barons ran the opening kickoff back for a touchdown, but Central ensured it would own the night, roaring back and claiming a 35-14 victory.

“Bluestone played us tough, their (quarterback) is very good and they made some big fourth-down plays,” Chargers Head Coach Will Thomas said.

Bluestone senior quarterback Tevarius Brooks has deservedly drawn attention from opposing defenses on a weekly basis, and Central has a versatile playmaker who has established a similar reputation — senior running back Malik Foster.

A workhorse, Foster gained 249 yards and four touchdowns on 44 carries Friday.

“Foster broke the school record for carries,” Thomas said.

Foster ran for a 6-yard touchdown in the first quarter, a 9-yard score in the second and 1- and 3-yard scores in the fourth.

Junior Keenan Anunay was another key difference-maker for the Chargers, carrying the ball 28 times for 182 yards.

Sophomore Jackson Dalton accounted for Central’s other touchdown, scoring on a 1-yard run in the third quarter.

The Chargers generated 437 yards.

“Raymond Alexander had (a) monster defensive game,” Thomas said, as the senior logged nine tackles and three sacks.

Senior Chris Fowler had nine tackles and one sack, senior Dion Graham had six tackles and two sacks and junior John McGrath had his first interception of the year.

The Chargers improved to 6-1 this season and are ranked fourth in Region 1A East with a secure hold on a playoff spot and in position to host at least one playoff game.

Central faces a sizable challenge Friday at 7 p.m. when it takes on host Goochland High School, which is 8-0 and has outscored opponents 291-47 this season.