It’s showtime Friday Night as two of the top high school football programs in Southern California face off in the CIF Southern Section Inland Division Final.
Coach Matt Logan brings his Corona Centennial Huskies into town looking to duplicate over the Vista Murrieta Broncos and repeat as CIF Champions. Corona has won seven titles in the past 11 years and has been a driving force in the local high school football environment.
will have their hands full. The Huskies (12-1) are ranked fourth in the state and average 46 points per game. They run for over 307 yards and pass for 178 yards a game. Their only loss was to St. Bonaventure 29-27 in the season opener. In the CIF Playoffs, they have breezed past Redlands 49-39, Chaparral 56-21 and Rancho Cucamonga 41-21.
Centennial is led by quarterback Hayden Garrett who has thrown for 2,051 yards and 19 touchdowns. Romello Goodman (2, 051 yards, 42 touchdowns, 9.25 YPC) and Hayden Gavett (1,009 yards, 16 touchdowns, 8.41 YPC) fuel the Huskies explosive running game. Speedsters Isaac Crandell (33 receptions 580 yards, 8 touchdowns) and Chase Krivashei (37 receptions, 596 yards, 6 touchdowns) are Garrett’s favorite receivers.
Centennial’s swarming defense is led by Edam Nassar (108 tackles) and Ahkeel Chambers (96 tackles). Isaac Colunga, Garrett Hughes each had five interceptions while standout defensive lineman Ngata Tahalamaka led the team with five sacks.
Vista Murrieta is coming off three consecutive dominate CIF playoff games with victories over Damien 38-13, J.W. North 58-14 and Upland 39-18. Coach Coley Candaele’s Broncos have averaged 33 points per game. They have passed for 116 yards and run for 213 yards per game.
Quarterback Nick Stevens threw for 1,036 yards and 10 touchdowns during the regular season. He also ran for 580 yards. He has been flawless in the playoffs.
Vista Murrieta is blessed with outstanding running backs. Su’a Cravens and Aaron Piecukonis have been dominating in the playoff run. Aaron’s twin brother, Cody Piecukonis, scored two first-quarter touchdowns on a pass and a 60-yard punt return.
The Broncos have one of the toughest defenses in Southern California. Ten defensive players contributed to 16 interceptions that resulted in 248 yards returned during the regular season.
Vista Murrieta also had 30 sacks, half of them contributed by Bryce Smith, Jeremy Castro and Tyler Cook with five each.
Defensive back Darion Williams rounds out a very quick and talented defensive unit. They have shutdown every CIF opponent so far and look to quiet the Huskies' potent offense.
Game time is 8 p.m. Friday at Vista Murrieta High School, 28251 Clinton Keith Road, Murrieta. The game should be a sell out, so if you don’t already have a ticket you might want to stay home and catch the game on Fox Sports Prime Ticket. Should be a good one.
--Contributed by Charles Mckee
