Central Catholic gets revenge on a top foe

FOLSOM — It might go down as the most significant 97 seconds in the history of Central Catholic's storied football program. Or it could be remembered as little more than a burst of excitement, a footnote in the Raiders' history book

That depends on the Raiders' ability to survive a brutal schedule and what should be their most difficult path ever to a Sac-Joaquin Section championship.

Central Catholic made itself the early favorite to win that title by routing Cardinal Newman 36-12, handing the Cardinals one of their worst defeats in decades.

"It all happened so fast," Central cornerback Daniel Killian said. "It was a close game, and two minutes later we've scored 19 points and now we're dominating them. This is the way we needed to start the season, with a big win."

Central's offense has often been the featured component, but it was the defense that triggered the outburst late in the third quarter:

With Central leading 10-6, safety Billy Flamion made an acrobatic pick at the Cardinals' 24. Three plays later, Dylan Swartz (10 of 18, 162 yards, 3 TDs) hit tight end C.J. Carson for an 8-yard TD with 2:55 left in the third quarter.

Twenty seconds later, Killiann snared an interception near midfield. He reversed direction and, with Flamion providing the blocking, returned it 45 yards for a TD.

Cardinal Newman quarterback Jack James fumbled on the next play from scrimmage, giving Central the ball at the 28. Swartz hit Killian on a flanker screen, and the junior raced up the middle of the field to score the third TD with 1:18 left in the quarter.

"The last few years, Cardinal Newman wore us down in the second half," center-noseguard Matt Galas said. "This was a revenge game, and us guys on the line knew we had to outplay them to win this."

It doesn't get any easier, though pounding the Santa Rosa school that had been to the last two State Div. III bowl games is a victory the Raiders can enjoy until Monday.

Cardinal Newman is No. 2 and Central is No. 3 in the CalHiSports.com State Bowl rankings. Both trail No. 1 St. Mary's of Stockton and are just ahead of Sutter — and Central plays both in the next four weeks.

"We've got to get up for every game, with the schedule coach (Roger Canepa) has put together," Galas said.

"I can't believe how hard we worked ... to get ready for this. It's all paying off."