Central East celebrates Trey Greenwood’s interception, #12, intended for Grant’s Deangelo “DLo” Knight, far left background, in week 2 action Friday night, Aug. 28, 2026 in Fresno.
ERIC PAUL ZAMORA
ezamora@fresnobee.com
Even without star wide receiver Bayon Harris, Central East showed it has more than enough firepower to overcome adversity.
The Bengals made that clear from the start in the Fresno Bee Game of the Week.
Central East jumped to a 21-0 lead and never let up, rolling to a convincing 42-12 victory over Grant in a matchup between the Bee’s top-ranked team and the Pacers.
It was revenge after last season’s loss to Grant, 42-26.
A 30-point victory says plenty about Kyle Biggs’ team, particularly its ability to respond when key players are sidelined.
“Proud of our guys,” Biggs said. “Jamar Smith stepped in at corner and did awesome.”
For Central East, it was another example of a next-man-up mentality.
Titus Thomas and Smith stepped up when the Bengals needed them most. Thomas hauled in a touchdown pass in the third quarter, while Smith filled in at cornerback for injured teammate Jontae Della.
Della fractured his ankle in practice, and no timetable has been set for his return.
Harris, meanwhile, is a Fresno State recruit who was injured before last week’s season opener, which was canceled in Henderson, Nev., because of lightning. He is out indefinitely.
Central East wide receiver Bayon Harris, center, gestures frmo the sideline towards game action against Grant in week 2 action Friday night, Aug. 28, 2026 in Fresno. ERIC PAUL ZAMORA ezamora@fresnobee.com
Still, the Bengals continued to roll.
Central East scored on all four of its first-half possessions, building a commanding lead before halftime and demonstrating the depth that could prove valuable throughout the season.
Biggs credited Relando Jefferson, Xavior Jones, Kevin Cooks and Thomas for stepping up, and Dippel “made great decisions.”
Central East’s Relando Jefferson, center, breaks through Gran High tackles in week 2 action Friday night, Aug. 28, 2026 in Fresno. ERIC PAUL ZAMORA ezamora@fresnobee.com 
Grant’s Sekope Noa Soi left, reaches out for Central East’s iAndrew Garcia, right, in week 2 action Friday night, Aug. 28, 2026 in Fresno. ERIC PAUL ZAMORA ezamora@fresnobee.com 
Central East’s Trey Greenwood, foreground, intercepts a pass at the goal line intended for Grant’s Deangelo “DLo” Knight, background, in week 2 action Friday night, Aug. 28, 2026 in Fresno. ERIC PAUL ZAMORA ezamora@fresnobee.com 
Grant’s quarterback Blake Nycum, left, is pressured by Central East’s Kahlil Williams for a sack in week 2 action Friday night, Aug. 28, 2026 in Fresno. ERIC PAUL ZAMORA ezamora@fresnobee.com
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Anthony Galaviz writes about breaking news/sports for The Fresno Bee. He covers the Las Vegas Raiders, high schools, boxing, MMA and junior colleges. He’s been with The Bee since 1997 and attended Fresno City College before graduating from Fresno State with a major in journalism and a minor in criminology.
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