Central Falls in State Title Game on Long TD Pass With 20 Seconds Left

By Steven Sanchez

Published 5 hours ago on

December 16, 2024

Edison High School football team (Huntington Beach) beat Fresno's Central 21-14 for their first ever California CIF Division 1-A state championship on Saturday, Dec. 14, at Saddleback College. (GV Wire Composite)

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A 54-yard touchdown pass with 20 seconds left in the game propelled Edison High of Huntington Beach over Central of Fresno, 21-14, in the California CIF Division 1-A state championship on Saturday at Saddleback College.

Close Game Throughout

The Chargers got on the board first 7-0 with a rushing touchdown from Julius Gillick in the first quarter. In the second quarter, the Grizzlies tied it 7-7 with a 38-yard touchdown pass from sophomore quarterback Jelani Dippel to wide receiver EJ Morgan.

Gillick responded with another rushing score for Edison to lead 14-7 with 7:20 left in the second quarter. Central tied it again 14-14 on a 5-yard touchdown pass from Dippel to wide receiver Bayon Harris to end the first half.

Game-Winning Play

The second half remained scoreless until the last 20 seconds. That’s when Chargers quarterback Sam Thomson connected with wide receiver Jake Minter on a 54-yard scoring pass for Edison’s first state title.

Edison finished the season with a 12-4 record. Central dropped to 12-3.

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Steven Sanchez,

Entertainment/Sports Writer

Steven Sanchez, a resident of Clovis, graduated from Buchanan High School in the class of 2007 and obtained his film degree from University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Steven is a multifaceted artist, working as a filmmaker, writer, photographer, videographer, and published author. He has a profound passion for movies, comic books, and rock ‘n’ roll. A dedicated football enthusiast, he cheers for the Las Vegas Raiders. In his leisure time, he indulges in reading and collecting vinyl records. Steven is often found attending rock shows in town, a keen enthusiast of live music. He holds a special fondness for his grandma's homemade meals and spending time with his twin sister.