GAME OF THE WEEK RECAP: Quentin Hale Shines as Centennial Rolls Past Servite

by Justin Rosette

COSTA MESA, CA – The JPWest Media Game of the Week delivered an emphatic statement Thursday night at Orange Coast College, and the clear standout was senior wide receiver Quentin Hale.

The Cathedral transfer hauled in eight catches for 154 yards and two touchdowns, earning JPWest Media Player of the Game honors as the Corona Centennial Huskies opened the 2026 season with a 41-21 victory over Servite.

Hale and fellow transfer quarterback Jaden Jefferson immediately clicked. Centennial struck first when Jefferson punched in a short touchdown run for a 7-0 lead. Moments later, Jefferson found Hale in stride for a 45-yard touchdown strike that extended the advantage to 14-0 with under five minutes remaining in the first quarter. Early in the second, the duo connected again—this time on a precise 12-yard fade to the back left corner of the end zone—pushing the lead to 21-0.

Servite responded late in the half with a 5-yard touchdown run by Cinco Kennett, cutting the deficit to 21-7 at the break.

The third quarter saw Centennial pull further away. Jefferson added an 18-yard touchdown run of his own, and Braylin Drake followed with a 2-yard plunge (extra point missed) to make it 34-7. Servite’s Jorden Wells answered with a 55-yard sprint down the right sideline, and a subsequent 1-yard touchdown run by Parker Covin trimmed the margin to 34-21 after a Centennial fumble.

Given a second chance after a roughing-the-punter penalty kept a late drive alive, Centennial closed the game when Kennie Leggett powered in from 16 yards out for the final 41-21 score.

Hale’s presence forced Servite to account for him on every snap. The USC commit stretched the field, won contested catches, and consistently created separation that opened lanes for Jefferson’s dual-threat attack. Jefferson finished 17-of-21 for 282 yards and two touchdown passes while adding 105 rushing yards and two scores of his own, but it was Hale’s production that set the tone from the opening drive.

It was the first game for Servite’s new head coach Rick Garretson. The former Friars receiver and longtime offensive coordinator saw his young team battle but struggle to contain Centennial’s skill talent. Centennial coach Matt Logan continued to benefit from the immediate impact of his new transfers.

Centennial (1-0) hosts Santa Margarita next Friday. Servite (0-1) travels to Murrieta Valley.