Central's stingy defense quickly is developing a taste for turnovers.

The Tigers turned a turnover into a touchdown for the third consecutive game Friday in their 41-6 victory over Jackson.

Central linebacker Von Martin recovered a fumble at Jackson's 25-yard line and rumbled down to the Indians' 8. The Tigers punched it in three plays later for a 35-6 halftime lead.

"We've got a whole lot of speed and we use that to our advantage," said Central linebacker Andrew Hileman, who recorded a first-quarter sack. "We just fly to the ball, wrap up, try to pop the ball loose."

Central's defense started creating turnovers in Week 2 against Festus when it forced two fumbles and intercepted a pass. The trend continued in Week 3 when it forced a fumble and intercepted a pair of Obion County passes.

"I'd just say hustle and hard work," Central senior defensive lineman Chris Bird said. "We try to get to the ball and make things happen."

Hileman said the turnovers have helped lessen the burden on the Tigers' offense.

"It's huge," he said. "When we're giving it to the offense around the 50-yard line every time, they only have 50 yards to go instead of 80 yards. It helps them out a ton."

Central's defense allowed its fewest yards of the season Friday against Jackson. The Indians only managed 97 yards on offense. The opposition is managing an average of 178 yards and 11 points per game against Central's defense this season.

"I don't think they're doing anything special, but they're flying to the football," Central coach Rich Payne said. "They're playing the game with speed, which is what we're trying to accomplish on the defensive side.

"I think it was just a matter of kids understanding what we're trying to do assignment wise and then utilizing their God-given athletic ability to make it happen."

Jackson quarterback Bobby Clark came away impressed with the Tigers' defensive unit, which held Jackson to an average of 1.2 yards per rush Friday.

"We've played bigger people, but they're about as fast as we've played," Clark said.