Central Spartans to Compete in CIF Division III Championship Following 44–42 Win over university city

EL CENTRO — Central Union High School defeated University City 44–42 in a tightly contested CIF San Diego Section Division III semifinal Friday night at Cal Jones Field. The matchup remained competitive from start to finish, with University City pushing the Spartans to the brink and nearly completing a comeback in the final seconds.

Running back Matthew Lizaola led Central’s offense with 36 points. Reflecting on his performance, Lizaola said, “It starts up front. They did their job. I was just a product of them, man, they played a hell of a game.” His success was supported by a strong offensive line that consistently created running lanes.

Senior center Mason Nava said the line’s unity played a major role. “We all get in that huddle and we take a deep breath and just do our thing. We hype each other up, don’t put each other down or nothing,” Nava said.

Throughout the night, University City loaded the box in an effort to slow Central’s rushing attack, often dedicating all 11 defenders to stopping the wildcat formation. Even so, Central managed to break through at key moments.

Head coach Peña said the team’s ability to stay composed under pressure came from earlier season challenges. “You know earlier in the season we suffered two losses by a combined score of 8 points. Our guys understand faced adversity all year. We’re battle tested,” Peña said.

That experience proved crucial late in the fourth quarter. After a series of personal foul penalties, the Centurions kicked off from their own 3-yard line. The sequence included the ejection of sophomore receiver Desmond Demara and junior linebacker Deshaun Hille on separate personal fouls. University City recovered the onside kick and drove into the red zone, giving themselves a chance to take the lead in the closing moments.

University City had already closed the gap to 44-42 with 35 seconds remaining but was stopped on its two-point conversion attempt. After recovering the kickoff, the Centurions moved into scoring position once more, setting up a final play that would determine the outcome. On that decisive snap, Central defender Acosta broke up a pass in the end zone a play that ultimately sealed the Spartans’ win and prevented a potential upset.

Central opened the game with a 36-yard touchdown run from Lizaola, taking a 7-0 lead before University City tied it 7-7. Early in the second quarter, Lizaola scored on fourth-and-1 and added another touchdown minutes later, pushing the Spartans ahead 20-7. University City cut the deficit before halftime, bringing the score to 20-13.

Both teams continued trading touchdowns in the second half. University City tied the game 2020 early in the third quarter, but Central responded to regain the lead. The Centurions tied it again 28-28 before the fourth quarter began.

Lizaola powered in another score with seven minutes left, extending Central’s lead to 34–28, and added a two-point conversion for 36–28. University City answered with a touchdown and conversion to make it 36–34. With 2:38 remaining, Central’s Fidel Camarena broke a tackle and sprinted in for a crucial touchdown, followed by another Lizaola two-point conversion for a 44–36 lead.

That cushion proved just enough, as the game’s outcome hinged on the final snap.

Central will face Christian High in the Division III championship on Saturday, Nov. 29, at 3:30 p.m. at Southwestern College.