Monster night by this Central junior sends Grizzlies back to the CIF state championship
Brandon Smith was determined to get the Central High football team into the state championship game.
So determined that he scored all of the Grizzlies’ touchdowns, including one off a sack that led to a fumble recovery by Smith in a 33-23 victory over St. Ignatius-San Francisco in a CIF North Division 1-A game at Koligian Stadium.
“Just having the confidence in my team,” Smith said afterwards. “Confidence in myself and especially my O-line. Give credit to all them. The D-line played an amazing game “
Smith seemed already dialed in prior to kickoff, going up to teammates fist-pumping them as a much larger St. Ignatius team also looked confident knowing the winner will play for the state championship at Saddleback College in Mission Viejo.
The Grizzlies will face Edison-Huntington Beach at 3:30 p.m. Saturday.
Edison defeated Granite Hills 34-28.
The story of the night in Fresno was Smith, who finished the game with 23 carries for 162 yards and three touchdowns. He also had three receptions for 22 yards and a touchdown.
Smith then added a sack, forced fumble and a fumble recovery for a 51-yard touchdown all on the same play.
“He does some phenomenal things at all times,” Central coach Kyle Biggs said. “I’m just glad he’s wearing black and orange.”
Biggs had a scare when Smith reached out for the ball in he end zone and caught for a touchdown but not before he was hit in the head.
Smith told his coach he is OK.
The Grizzlies are looking for their second state title after winning it in 2019.
Smith was in fifth grade when the Grizzlies won it all.
“I’m pretty happy that we’re going,” Smith said. “But job never finished.”
Second half updates
Lindsay advances, while other see season end
Lindsay will play for the state title, too.
The Cardinals defeated Chatsworth 35-20.
Lindsay will face Moreau Catholic at 4 p.m. Friday at Fullerton Union High Stadium.
Coalinga, Kerman and Selma lost in the regionals.
This story was originally published December 7, 2024 at 7:27 PM.
