STAFF REPORT
Corona Centennial High School’s football team is hitting its stride at just the right time. After a shaky start to the season, including a surprising loss to Santa Margarita on August 30, the Huskies have quietly improved, winning their sixth consecutive game with a 28-9 victory over Murrieta Valley on Friday night.
The win not only bolstered Centennial’s confidence heading into the Division 1 playoffs but also marked a major milestone for head coach Matt Logan, who secured his 292nd career victory, tying him with Dick Bruich for the most wins by a coach in Inland Empire history.
“We’re making progress, without a doubt,” said quarterback Husan Longstreet. The Texas A&M commit completed 22 of 33 passes for 251 yards and one touchdown while rushing for 45 yards. Despite some fumbles and penalties, the Huskies demonstrated their resilience in the face of injuries, particularly on the offensive line.
One of the breakout stars of the game was sophomore running back Braylin Drake, who stepped up after beginning the season on junior varsity. Drake rushed for 120 yards and two touchdowns, bringing his season total to over 850 yards in just six games. “I wasn’t expecting to play much,” Drake said. “Injuries happened, and I’ve stepped up.”
Murrieta Valley, dealing with its own setbacks, including the absence of star quarterback Bear Bachmeier, struggled to keep pace with Centennial. Despite a 62-yard touchdown reception from Kurelle Thomas, Murrieta Valley’s offense was largely stifled, with standout running back Dorian Hoze limited to just 43 yards on 19 carries.
The Huskies, now 6-2, are on track to win the Big West League North Division title and prepare to face powerhouse Trinity League teams like St. John Bosco and Mater Dei in the Division 1 playoffs. Coach Logan remains focused on getting his team fully healthy and playoff-ready. “I think we’re on our way,” he said. “We’ve got to get better.”
Murrieta Valley, also 6-2, continues to be a top contender in the upcoming Division 2 playoffs, though their hopes hinge on the possible return of Bachmeier, who has been sidelined with a knee injury but remains hopeful about playing this season.
As Centennial heads into its final two regular-season games against Norco and Chaparral, the team is determined to maintain its momentum and once again prove why they’re a force to be reckoned with in Southern California high school football.
Big Games on the Horizon
In other Southern California football news, two marquee matchups are set to draw thousands of fans. St. John Bosco (8-0) will face Mater Dei (7-0) at Santa Ana Stadium, while the East L.A. Classic between Garfield (6-2) and Roosevelt (3-5) will take place at SoFi Stadium, with an expected crowd of 30,000. The Black Eyed Peas are scheduled to perform during the halftime show.