Fresno, CA – The much-anticipated high school football matchup between Central and Garza turned into a one-sided affair on Friday night, as the sixth-ranked Grizzlies dominated the Guardians with a decisive 40-0 victory. It was the first time the two teams faced each other at Koligian Stadium, and the Grizzlies seized the moment right from the start.
The game had to be called early due to a brawl that erupted on the field with 10 minutes still remaining on the clock. Tensions flared when a Garza player allegedly yanked off a Grizzlies player’s helmet and struck him with it. This clash resulted in chaos, prompting the referees to end the game prematurely.
On a brighter note for the Grizzlies, it marked the debut of sophomore quarterback Jelani Dippel. After a shaky start where he threw an early interception, Dippel quickly found his rhythm. He completed 20 of 26 passes for an impressive 293 yards and tossed two touchdowns during the game.
Backing him up was junior running back Brandon Smith, who had an outstanding performance. Smith carried the ball 13 times for a staggering 187 yards and reached the end zone three times. His first score came from a 4-yard run just before the end of the first quarter. He stole the spotlight with a spectacular 92-yard run for a touchdown in the second quarter, followed by another 1-yard run for his third touchdown. Adding to his impressive night, Smith also made an impact defensively by snagging an interception in the third quarter.
Overall, the game showcased the strength of the Grizzlies and their ability to capitalize on opportunities early in the contest. With skillful players like Dippel and Smith, the team looks poised for a promising season ahead.
