In a dominating performance, the city witnessed the first high school football meeting between Central and Garza unfold on Friday night. The Bee’s sixth-ranked Grizzlies showcased their skills as they cruised to a 40-0 victory over the Guardians. This matchup marked the Grizzlies’ return to Koligian Stadium, and they certainly made their presence felt early and often in the game.
However, the night didn’t end without controversy. The referees had to call the game prematurely due to a significant fight that erupted on the field. This brawl was reportedly triggered when a Guardians player allegedly ripped off a Grizzlies player’s helmet and struck him with it. With 10 minutes still left on the clock, officials signaled the end of the game, leaving many spectators shocked. The identities of the players involved in the altercation have not been disclosed.
Despite the disappointing ending, the game highlighted the impressive debut of Grizzlies sophomore quarterback Jelani Dippel. After experiencing an early setback with an interception, Dippel bounced back remarkably. He finished the matchup completing 20 of 26 passes for 293 yards and tossed two touchdowns. Complementing Dippel’s efforts was junior running back Brandon Smith, who had a stellar night on the ground. Smith rushed for 187 yards on 13 carries and scored three touchdowns.
Smith’s scoring began with a 4-yard run as the first quarter wound down. It was in the second quarter that he electrified the crowd with a breathtaking 92-yard touchdown run. He finished with one more touchdown from the 1-yard line and made his mark on defense as well, contributing with an interception during the third quarter.
Though the night ended abruptly, the Grizzlies left a significant impression on the field, showcasing the potential of their roster for the remainder of the season.
