By Justin Tatsuki Lee
Saturday December 13, 2025
Game: Central East vs Pacifica (Oxnard)
Championship Saturday delivered everything promised — physicality, star power, and late-game drama — as Central East outlasted undefeated Pacifica to claim the CIF Division 1-A State Championship at Saddleback College. One year after falling on this same stage, the Bengals returned with purpose, resilience, and a relentless ground attack that ultimately proved decisive in a back-and-forth classic.
Under head coach Kyle Biggs, Central East survived multiple momentum swings, answered every Pacifica surge, and closed the game with authority to capture a state title that capped a season-long redemption arc.
First Quarter — Pacifica Strikes First
Central East received the opening kickoff but stumbled out of the gate. After an incomplete deep shot on third down, the Bengals punted.
Pacifica took over at its own 37 behind quarterback Taylor Lee, and after a fourth-down stop by the Bengals, Central East briefly gained field position — only to give it back moments later following penalties and a stalled drive.
The Tritons capitalized. Lee converted multiple third downs with his arm and legs, and on a perfectly placed throw, Tyler Stewart made a 15-yard catch at the back of the end zone over tight coverage to open the scoring.
PO 7, CE 0 — 3:21 left in the first
Central East’s next drive showed flashes, with Brandon Smith (2) converting a short third down, but Pacifica’s defense held firm again as the quarter closed.
End of Q1: Pacifica 7, Central East 0
Second Quarter — Bengals Respond, Take Control
Early in the second, Pacifica tried to catch the Bengals off guard with a flea flicker — but Xavior Jones (0) read it perfectly, intercepting the pass and flipping field position after a personal foul moved the ball to the Tritons’ 44.
Still, Pacifica’s defense answered, stopping Central East on fourth down after a sack by Isaiah Phelps (0) and a delay penalty pushed the Bengals behind the chains.
The breakthrough finally came midway through the quarter. A defensive hold moved the ball into Pacifica territory, Kevin Cooks hauled in a 24-yard strike, and Bayon Harris (18) finished the drive with a 25-yard touchdown catch to tie the game.
CE 7, PO 7 — 5:43 left in the half
The Bengals weren’t done. After forcing a punt, Central East drove again — Harris repeatedly winning on the perimeter before Brandon Smith powered his way to the goal line. Smith punched it in to give the Bengals their first lead.
CE 14, PO 7 — 1:05 left
Pacifica mounted a quick response, but time expired near midfield.
Halftime: Central East 14, Pacifica 7
Third Quarter — Trading Blows
Pacifica opened the second half with urgency. A 34-yard run by Phelps, aided by a facemask penalty, flipped the field, and moments later Phelps finished the drive with a 1-yard touchdown run, tying the game.
PO 14, CE 14 — 9:43 left in the third
Central East answered immediately, moving the ball into Triton territory behind Harris and EJ Morgan (1). But disaster struck when PeeWee Wilson (3) intercepted a tipped pass, halting the drive.
The Bengals’ defense responded in kind, forcing a punt, and the offense seized the moment. Harris made a spectacular catch inside the 5, and Smith once again finished the job — scoring on a 4-yard wildcat run.
CE 21, PO 14 — 4:03 left in the third
Pacifica threatened again but stalled after a sack, and Central East closed the quarter with momentum.
End of Q3: Central East 21, Pacifica 14
Fourth Quarter — Championship Resolve
The Bengals struck first in the final frame. After a long play was wiped out by penalty, Kevin Cooks broke free on a post route for a 38-yard touchdown, extending the lead.
CE 28, PO 14 — 10:52 left
Pacifica answered quickly. Lee found Alijah Royster for a 74-yard gain, setting up another Phelps touchdown, trimming the deficit.
CE 28, PO 21 — 10:20 left
Central East went three-and-out, and the Tritons sensed an opening — but the Bengals defense delivered a season-defining play. On third down, Lee was hit and fumbled, with Andrew Garcia (3) forcing it and Khalil Williams (56) recovering deep in Triton territory.
Two plays later, Jelani Dippel (10) scrambled in for a 5-yard touchdown, pushing the lead back to two scores.
CE 35, PO 21 — 7:55 left
Pacifica refused to fold. Lee struck again, this time hitting Royster for a 15-yard touchdown, closing the gap to seven.
CE 35, PO 28 — 6:25 left
The championship drive followed.
Facing penalties and long yardage, Central East stayed composed. On 4th-and-3 from its own 47, Dippel lofted a perfect over-the-shoulder throw to EJ Morgan for 33 yards. Moments later, Brandon Smith delivered the final blow — a 15-yard touchdown run that sealed the game.
CE 42, PO 28 — 2:55 left
Pacifica’s final possession ended with a late interception in the end zone, allowing the Bengals to kneel out the clock.
Final — Redemption Complete
Final Score: Central East 42, Pacifica 28
One year after falling short on the sport’s biggest stage, Central East finished the climb. Behind a dominant two-way effort from Brandon Smith, clutch throws from Jelani Dippel, and a defense that rose in every critical moment, the Bengals captured the CIF Division 1-A State Championship.
For Pacifica, the unbeaten run ends in heartbreak — but not without proving why the Tritons were one of the state’s most complete teams all season.
For Central East, the ending was perfect.
Standouts:
- Brandon Smith: 144 Rush yard with 3 TDs
- Jelani Dippel: 18-31 on 293 pass yards and 2 touchdowns
- Bayon Harris: 175 Receiving yards and 1 TD
- Pacifica:
- Isaiah Phelps: 128 Rush yards with 2 TDs
- Alijah Royster: 114 Receiving yards with a TD
- Taylor Lee: 21-31 for 317 Pass yards and 2 TDs
![](https://jpwestmedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/league-2.jpg")
