Centennial takes 7-0 lead over Santiago after scoreless first quarter

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What a surprise. Corona Santiago hung with Corona Centennial in the opening quarter of the Inland Division championship game this afternoon at the Home Depot Center in Carson. Some might even claim the Sharks outplayed the top-seeded Huskies.

There was no scoring in the first quarter, but Santiago moved the ball a little further on its two drives, moving into Centennial territory before the offense was stopped on downs both times.

The Huskies went three-and out on their first drive, had their punt partially blocked, got it right back and had fourth and one at the Shark 41, but running back Ryan Bass was called for a personal foul after his third-down run and Santiago was instead faced with a fourth and 16.

Big break on the first play of the second quarter, however. Centennial recovered a fumble at the Santiago 26 and quarterback Matt Scott ran into the end zone on the next play. It’s 7-0 with about seven minutes remaining in the first half.

One note, Centennial linebacker Brandon Magee is not in uniform because he was he was suspended from school during the week, according to a school official.

Good thing the Huskies have three talented linebackers remaining on their roster.

-- Dan Arritt