Central East defeated Pacifica 42-28 to capture the CIF State Division 1-A championship.
This is the second state championship in program history after the Central Grizzlies defeated Sierra Canyon in 2019 to win the D1-AA title.
advertise
RELATED: Central celebrates 2019 state championship with parade
Under head coach Kyle Biggs, the Bengals have won back-to-back Central Division titles and five in the last eight years. “It was a great game and I’m very proud of the way we fought and ended up winning,” Biggs told Spectrum Sports after the game. “I’m proud of my guys.” Biggs improved his coaching record to 107-21 in his 10th season in the Middle East.
With Pacifica leading 35-28 with 4:12 left in the game, Biggs decided to go for a fourth-and-3 play at his own 48. Junior quarterback Jelani Dippel threw a deep pass to EJ Morgan, and the Cal signee moved the chains with a great over-the-shoulder catch.
Soon after, Arizona signee Brandon Smith added his third touchdown of the game to extend the Bengals’ lead.
advertise
Junior Bayon Harris, who holds the program’s receiving yardage record, had 11 catches for 174 yards and a touchdown. He also had a 90-yard touchdown run but was called back for holding the ball. Dippel finished the night passing for 371 yards and two touchdowns, and also ran for a touchdown.
The Tigers finished the season with a 14-1 record.
For sports updates, follow Stephen Hicks on Facebook, twitter and Instagram.
