Bell Returns to Central After 24-3 Victory Against Brawley.

EL CENTRO Central Union High School won the 82nd annual Bell Game, defeating Brawley 24-3 at Cal Jones Field on Friday, Oct. 31, to take possession of the bell.

Brawley opened the game with a 13-play drive that reached the red zone and resulted in a field goal by Evan Sepulveda, giving the Wildcats a 3-0 lead with 3:57 remaining in the first quarter. That field goal accounted for Brawley’s only points of the game.

Central’s opening offensive possession ended in a turnover recovered by Brawley defender Keith Sanchez. Brawley did not score on the ensuing possession. With 5:59 left in the second quarter, Central defender CJ Acosta recovered a loose ball and returned it for a touchdown, giving Central a 7-3 advantage.

Before halftime, Central kicker Malaki Rodriguez made a field goal that extended the lead to 10-3.

In the second half, Central utilized senior running back Matthew Lizaola in the Wildcat formation to control possession. Lizaola stated, “It felt great. I really wanted to help my team and it was a team effort, my line blocked really well and allowed me to break open on those gashing plays.”

Central increased the lead to 16-3 in the third quarter when quarterback Luis Jimenez threw a touchdown pass to senior wide receiver Emiliano Morales near the corner of the end zone. Morales scored again in the fourth quarter on a direct-snap play. Morales described the experience of scoring in the rivalry game as “Unbelievable.”

Central head coach Rookie Peña referenced the significance of rivalry preparation, stating, “When you grow up as a youth you want to be part of that (IVL Rivalry Games).”

Central Athletic Director Gabriel Ponce commented on the defense’s performance, stating, “I think this defense is built to win championships.”

Central’s defense did not allow a point after the opening quarter and recorded a defensive touchdown.

The game concluded with Central leading 24-3.