I’m planning my exit early

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If second-ranked Corona Centennial runs away from visiting Clovis West in the first half Friday night, I won’t stick around to find out who will be crowned homecoming queen. Instead, I’ll drive 2.14 miles to Corona Santiago, where the No. 24 Sharks should be cleaning up on Temecula Chaparral.

Santiago (3-1) just defeated previously unbeaten Temescal Canyon, 14-7 in overtime, holding the Titans to 197 yards of total offense in 70 plays. The other big stat belonged to UCLA-bound defensive back Anthony Dye (this writer must know him well because he calls him Tony).

Dye had 21 solo tackles and nine assists while shadowing Temescal Canyon’s speedy option quarterback, Jonathan Warzeka. Dye is now third in state with 69 tackles, according to MaxPreps.

I watched Dye intercept a pass and make several other big plays in his team’s 17-7 loss to No. 7 Servite a couple weeks ago. UCLA Coach Karl Dorrell was smart (did I write that?) to secure him early in the recruitment process.

Dye will face a different type of challenge this week against Chaparral. They feature Colorado-bound quarterback Tyler Hansen, a drop-back passer who will benefit from a developing running game.

Hansen returned last week from a foot injury that knocked him from the previous game against Hemet West Valley. He was able to spend most of the night handing off to sophomore running back Jonathan Diaz, who rushed for 191 yards and four touchdowns in a 28-7 victory over Valley View.

Save me a seat at Santiago!

- Dan Arritt