In the CIF Southern Section Football Championships Division 1 semifinal, two top-ranked teams, Corona Centennial and Mater Dei, face off tonight. This highly anticipated match occurs at 7 p.m. Pacific Time.
Matchup Overview
Corona Centennial ranks No. 7 nationally and enters the game with a record of 10-1. Mater Dei, ranked No. 16, has an 8-2 record. Both teams previously met on September 12, where Centennial emerged victorious, winning 43-36 in a thrilling contest.
Recent Performance
Mater Dei is currently on a four-game winning streak, having outscored their opponents 266-182 this season. Their only other loss this year was a narrow defeat against Santa Margarita, finishing 6-7.
On the other hand, Centennial’s only loss came during an overtime battle against the same Santa Margarita team, which ended 27-33. The Huskies have displayed an explosive offensive capability, outscoring their opponents 529-241 this season.
Player Statistics
Key players for Mater Dei include:
- Ryan Hopkins (QB, sr.): 2,081 yards, 16 TDs, 6 INTs
- Justin Lewis (RB, sr.): 539 yards, 6 TDs
- Kayden Dixon-Wyatt (WR, sr.): 624 yards, 7 TDs
- Chris Henry Jr. (WR, sr.): 588 yards, 5 TDs
- Dailon Clanton (LB, jr.): 56 tackles, 6 TFL, 2 sacks
For Centennial, standout performers include:
- Dominick Catalano (QB, sr.): 1,898 yards, 18 TDs, 7 INTs
- Malaki Davis (RB, soph.): 863 yards, 18 TDs
- Ty Plinski (WR, sr.): 510 yards, 4 TDs
- Jayden Walk-Green (DB/K, jr.): 89 tackles, 9 INTs, strong special teams contributor
Game Expectations
Fans can expect an intense contest, showcasing both teams’ offensive power and defensive strategies. The matchup promises to deliver excitement as both schools vie for a spot in the CIF Championships.
Stay tuned to El-Balad for live updates and scoring as the game progresses. The action kicks off at 7 p.m., with anticipation building around this thrilling semifinal showdown.
