RICHMOND — Madison Central’s season-opening victory over Boone County in the Roy Kidd Bowl turned into a very intense, physical battle.

And that thrilling 42-33 victory Aug. 18 at EKU certainly took its toll.

But, the schedule provided the Indians a perfect opportunity to get healthy, get fully recharged and turn their focus to their next challenge.

“We gave them Monday and Friday off, then we just got back to working on Mercer County,” Central coach Bert Browne said.

After a week off, the Indians are anxious to get back to action and to also begin a new era for the program.

Central will take on Mercer County at 7:30 p.m. tonight in Richmond. The game will be the first at the school’s new $4 million athletic complex, which features a new 4,000-seat stadium and a turf field.

“I think the students (are pretty excited),” Browne said. “I hope that everyone in Madison County shows up. It’s going to be exciting.”

Central’s season-opening win over Boone County had plenty of drama.

The Indians ran out to a 33-18 lead in the second quarter, but had to hang on in the closing minutes. The Rebels had the ball inside the final minute deep in Central territory.

Senior Ken-Jah Bosley sealed the victory by returning an interception 77 yards for a touchdown with 11 seconds left.

Bosley (two receiving, one INT) and senior Dominique Hawkins (three rushing) each had three touchdowns as the Indians avenged last year’s loss to Boone County in the opening round of the Class 6A Playoffs.

Bosley missed some time in the second half because of an injury and senior linebacker Jamez Chenault did not play at all in the second half.

But, after a week off, both should be ready to go against Mercer County.

“Nothing serious,” Browne said of the injury report. “We are healthy.”

Central blocked two extra-point attempts (Bosley and Brandon Parks) and also blocked a punt (Will Nash), still Browne was not pleased with the overall performance on special teams.

The Rebels had 190 yards on seven kickoff returns (27.1 yards a return), including a 94-yard return for a touchdown in the second quarter.

“We’ve worked on special teams,” Browne said. “Getting guys knowing when they are supposed to go in and those kind of things. Just the little things.”

Browne was also disappointed that after building an early lead that the Indians weren’t able to continue pulling away.

Central scored on five of its first six possessions, but only had one more offensive touchdown.

“When you get up on somebody, you’ve got to keep going,” Browne said. “You can’t relax. When you are not used to winning its hard to make that happen.”

The Indians built a 22-point first-half lead last season against Mercer County in Harrodsburg. They went on to pick up a 29-7 win.

Hawkins was the offensive standout in that victory. He finished with 214 yards rushing and two touchdowns. Quarterback Hunter Stocker also threw two touchdowns, one to Bosley and the other to JaCory Mullins.

Central dominated on both sides of the ball, out-gaining Mercer County, 518-216, while forcing four turnovers.

The Titans opened the 2012 season last week by defeating Allen County-Scottsville, 33-20, at Boyle County. Mercer County scored on the first play of the game and had a 14-0 lead seven minutes into the game.

Making his first varsity start, sophomore quarterback Austin Sparrow completed eight-of-12 passes for 161 yards as Mercer County gave new coach Chris Parode a win in his first game at the school.

Lane Peavler had a 50-yard touchdown reception and a 93-yard kickoff return for a score, while James Johnson had a 74-yard touchdown run.

The Titans finished with 417 yards of total offense, despite racking up 15 penalties for 163 yards.

“They lineup in shotgun a lot and they can throw it,” Browne said. “They’ve got a pretty good tailback and a pretty good defense. We are going to be tested.”