Corona Centennial has been content material to let everybody neglect about its soccer staff. A baffling loss to Santa Margarita on Aug. 30 helped gas skepticism that the Huskies weren’t a Division 1 title contender.
“Nobody needs to talk about us,” one assistant coach stated. “We’ll improve and it will be, ‘Oh my gosh.’”
The Huskies (6-2) gained their sixth consecutive recreation on Friday night time with a 28-9 victory over Murrieta Valley, giving coach Matt Logan win No. 292 in his profession, tying him with Dick Bruich for many wins by an Inland Empire coach.
Quarterback Husan Longstreet of Corona Centennial takes off on a run in opposition to Murrieta Valley.
(Craig Weston)
That is the time of 12 months when Logan-coached groups begin to develop in preparation for the postseason. Sophomore operating again Braylin Drake began the season on junior varsity, however accidents pressured him to be the go-to again. He rushed for 126 yards and three touchdowns, giving him greater than 850 yards dashing in six video games.
The previous Statue of Liberty play for Corona Centennial and Braylin Drake. Centennial leads Murrieta Valley 21-3. Drake has 116 yards dashing. pic.twitter.com/nFD0XGzK4N
— eric sondheimer (@latsondheimer) October 19, 2024
“I wasn’t expecting to play much,” Drake stated. “Injuries happened, and I’ve stepped up.”
Husan Longstreet, lastly wholesome, accomplished 20 of 30 passes for 215 yards and one landing. He additionally rushed for 45 yards. Any staff with the Texas A&M commit on it have to be thought-about harmful.
“We’re making a lot of progress without a doubt,” Longstreet stated. “There’s always things we can get better at.”
The Huskies misplaced two fumbles and had 11 penalties. They’ve been coping with what Logan described as a “rash of injuries” to the offensive line, however the backups carried out nicely.
Logan stays dedicated to having his staff able to tackle the Trinity League faculties, plus Mission Viejo, for the Division 1 playoffs. The Huskies are headed towards profitable the Huge West League North Division championship.
“I think we’re on our way,” Logan stated. “We’ve got to get better.”
Boogie Williams of Corona Centennial comes up with an interception in opposition to Murrieta Valley.
(Craig Weston)
Centennial held a 21-9 halftime lead. Drake scored on runs of 5 and 16 yards whereas Cory Butler caught a four-yard landing cross. Murrieta Valley picked up a 62-yard landing reception from Kurelle Thomas close to the tip of the half.
Murrieta Valley (6-2) has managed to be one of many high groups for the forthcoming Division 2 playoffs regardless of that star quarterback Bear Bachmeier has but to make an look due to a knee damage. Opposing coaches at all times provide a sigh of reduction once they study earlier than video games Bachmeier hasn’t suited up.
Bachmeier stated, “I’m hopeful,” when requested if he would play this season. He was wearing sweats. He’s dedicated to Stanford and is scheduled to graduate in December.
Centennial’s protection took away certainly one of Murrieta Valley’s finest weapons, operating again Dorian Hoze, limiting him to 43 yards in 19 carries. Keawe Browne was energetic enjoying defensive finish and had a sack for the Huskies.
Centennial closes out the common season with video games in opposition to Norco and Chaparral. If the Huskies can get wholesome on the road and add some operating again depth, they need to be proper the place they at all times appear to be — a uncommon public faculty able to play within the Division 1 soccer playoffs.
