Centennial, Santa Margarita Advance to CIFSS D1 Final

Centennial High School edged out defending champion Mater Dei 28-27 in a thrilling CIF Southern Section Division 1 semifinal on Friday night in Corona, California, securing a spot in the championship game for the first time since 2015. Meanwhile, Santa Margarita Catholic High School dominated Orange Lutheran 31-6 in Costa Mesa to advance to the title clash, setting up a highly anticipated rematch with Centennial at the Rose Bowl on November 28.

The Division 1 matchup between Centennial and Mater Dei featured five lead changes, with the outcome hinging on a blocked field goal attempt in the final seconds. Mater Dei, seeking revenge after a 43-36 loss to Centennial on September 12, took an early 10-0 lead on a 1-yard touchdown run by Kennie Leggett and a 26-yard field goal by Jerry Shifman. Centennial responded with 14 unanswered points in the second quarter, including touchdown runs by Malaki Davis and Dominick Catalano, to lead 14-10 at halftime.

The second half remained tense. Mater Dei quarterback Ryan Hopkins connected with Kayden Dixon-Wyatt for a 43-yard touchdown to narrow the gap to 14-16, though the extra point was blocked. Catalano added his second score midway through...