Centennial breaks through to final on big plays

Coach Matt Logan stood on the sideline with nine seconds left and his Corona Centennial team leading Mater Dei, 28-27. He had called a timeout trying to ice Mater Dei kicker Jerry Shifman, who would be attempting a 46-yard field goal to decide the Southern Section Division 1 semifinal playoff game Friday night in Corona.

- BY ERIC SONDHEIMER

CRAIG WESTON For The Times KEAWE BROWNE hauls in the go-ahead score to help Corona Centennial beat Mater Dei 28-27 in the Division 1 semifinal on Friday.

"I was just hoping he would miss," Logan said.

Centennial defensive lineman Miles Schirmer broke through to block the field-goal attempt and send Centennial to face Santa Margarita in next Friday's championship game at the Rose Bowl.

"It was unreal emotion and I'm so happy for these kids," Logan said. "They play their butts off." Said Schirmer: "I reached up and it hit my forearm. I just pulled all my strength on a bull rush and jumped as high as I could." After Centennial quarterback Dominick Catalano took a knee to run out the clock, the sold-out crowd went wild with noise and excitement as Centennial players celebrated on the field.

"We got it done," Logan said.