No. 10 Centennial (Corona, Calif.) - Team preview / Preseason photo gallery
Strengths: Corona Centennial might be the top program in Southern California right now. The program had perhaps the state's most prolific offense all-time in 2011. With stellar passer
Robert Webber, standout running back
Tre Watson and dynamic receiver
Barry Ware all returning, Matt Logan's offense could approach a similar level of potency this fall. There was slightly more attrition on the defensive side of the ball. However, the unit received a big boost when
Austin Maloata transferred in from American Samoa.
Jaylen Johnson, a defensive end, and
John Plattenburg, a cornerback, give the defense further star power.
Question marks: Even with only four full-time starters back, the defense needs to improve. Putting aside the 48 points it allowed to De La Salle
in last year's Open Division Bowl Game, it allowed more than 30 points on six different occasions last year. For as superb as Centennial's offense has been, that's still a good deal of pressure to perform. The defensive line should take a major step forward with the addition of Maloata.
Xavier Hughes will have to provide leadership to an otherwise inexperienced linebacking unit.
Outlook: After opening against Liberty (Henderson, Nevada), Centennial will once again take on St. Bonaventure (Ventura), a team that it has lost to in each of the past two seasons. If that game is not enough of an early season challenge, Long Beach Poly awaits in the third week. A 3-0 start to the season would be very impressive, but it will not come easily.
