FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) — Central East beat Pacifica 42-28 to clinch the CIF State Division 1-A championship.
It’s the second state title in program history following when the then Central Grizzlies beat Sierra Canyon to win the D1-AA crown in 2019.
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The Bengals have won back-to-back Central Section championships under head coach Kyle Biggs and 5 in the last 8 years. “”It was a great game and i’m just really proud of the way we battled and came through,” Biggs told Spectrum Sports after the game. “I’m proud of my guys.” Biggs improves his coaching record to 107-21 in his 10th season at Central East.
Leading Pacifica 35-28 with 4:12 to play, Biggs decided to go for it on fourth and 3 at his own 48. Junior quarterback Jelani Dippel lofted a deep ball to EJ Morgan and the Cal signee came down with a remarkable over the shoulder catch to move the chains.
Shortly after, Arizona signee Brandon Smith ran in his 3rd touchdown of the game to extend the Bengal lead.
Bayon Harris, a junior who holds the program record for receiving yards, came down with 11 catches for 174 yards and a touchdown. He also had a 90-yard touchdown called back for holding. Dippel finished the night throwing for 371 yards and 2 touchdowns and also ran in a touchdown.
The Bengals finish the season with a record of 14-1.
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