Corona Centennial faced a setback in its season opener against the top-ranked Mater Dei team; nevertheless, the Huskies demonstrated their ability to contend with the state’s elite competitors.
Mater Dei secured a 28-14 victory, although Centennial remained close with a halftime score of 7-0. In the fourth quarter, the Huskies closed the gap to 21-14 before the Monarchs ultimately extended their lead.
Despite enduring eight sacks, Centennial’s quarterback Husan Longstreet showcased his playmaking skills, notably with a 55-yard touchdown run during the fourth quarter. Centennial’s running back, Cornell Hatcher, accumulated 98 rushing yards throughout the game.
On the Mater Dei side, running back Jordon Davison contributed significantly, amassing 117 rushing yards and scoring a touchdown.
This match served as a substantial assessment for both teams, potentially boosting Centennial’s confidence for the upcoming matches this season.
In parallel high school football action, Hart secured a 14-7 victory over Quartz Hill, aided by Tim Larkins’ two touchdown passes during the fourth quarter. Meanwhile, Anthony League, a junior running back at Los Alamitos, stood out with an impressive 314 rushing yards and six touchdowns, leading his team to a dominant 62-25 triumph over Western.
Under the leadership of first-year coach Mike Moschetti, St. Paul managed to secure a narrow 24-22 win against Newport Harbor.
Two quarterbacks who recently switched schools enjoyed successful debuts. Wyatt Becker, transitioning from Sherman Oaks Notre Dame to Sierra Canyon, completed 14 out of 16 passes for 189 yards in a 9-7 victory over JSerra. Steele Pizzella, who transferred from Simi Valley to Notre Dame, exhibited strong performance, completing 18 of 26 passes for 275 yards and three touchdowns in a comprehensive 42-0 win against Peninsula.
Caleb Sanchez’s long-anticipated start as quarterback for St. John Bosco began on a high note, with an impressive 21-of-25 pass completion, amassing 242 yards and three touchdowns, ultimately leading to a convincing 42-22 victory over Henderson (Nev.) Liberty.
Additionally, Orange Lutheran made a statement of their capabilities by delivering a commanding 47-19 triumph over Gardena Serra, signifying their readiness to contend with the likes of St. John Bosco and Mater Dei in the Trinity League. Quarterback TJ Lateef showcased his versatility, passing for 193 yards and a touchdown while also contributing a rushing touchdown.
