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Century football coach Lance Neal and his players are enjoying their moments, one day and one week at a time.
The veteran coach has returned to the sideline after suffering a heart attack in late November and undergoing open heart surgery in early April.
“I’m lucky to be here and enjoying the process,” Neal, 58, said. “I’m enjoying coaching.”
Neal, who returned to coaching on May 1, has guided Century to a 3-0 record for its best start since 2017.
The Centurions have rattled off victories against Gabrielino (26-12), Verbum Dei (56-8) and Azusa (42-14).
They’ll face their most athletic opponent so far, Neal said, when they play at Bolsa Grande (0-2) on Friday.
“Our kids are happy,” Neal said. “Winning hasn’t happened here in a while.”
Century has endured three winless seasons since finishing 5-5 in 2017.
But in their second campaign under Neal’s leadership, the Centurions are running the ball well and forcing turnovers on defense.
Running backs Noe Najera and Derek Carrillo have rushed for 240 and 226 yards, respectively, and combined for 11 touchdowns.
Carrillo, a junior, is a newcomer who arrived from the baseball team, Neal said.
Century has committed only one turnover and collected nine on defense. The Centurions have forced most of the turnovers by recovering fumbles.
Safety Jose Jimenez and outside linebackers Chuy Valdivia and Carrillo have led the defense, Neal said.
Neal believes the Centurions need to continue to improve as they chase their first playoff appearance since 2004.
The postseason is a major goal but Neal is grateful to be on the journey. He credits Century teacher Nathan Goodrich for performing CPR on him on Nov. 27, the date of his heart attack.
Neal also is thankful for assistant coaches Steve Howard, Kevin Nichols, Omar Diab, Jesus Diaz, Lynn Rucker and Brian Torres.
“I hope I hold up for 10 weeks,” Neal said.
If Century keeps winning, the journey could stretch a bit longer.
SANTA MARGARITA PLAYING FOR BRODY
Santa Margarita offensive lineman Brody Matteson became beloved by teammates last season because of his moxie on the scout team.
“He would battle,” Eagles coach Anthony Rouzier recalled.
Matteson is still inspiring teammates with his fight but the opponent has changed.
The sophomore was diagnosed with cancer in late August, Rouzier said.
The Eagles have supported Matteson with the slogan #BSTRONG on social media.
“He’s tough as nails and has a great spirit about him,” Rouzier said of Matteson. “He isn’t the biggest guy physically but his heart is as big as anyone’s.”
Santa Margarita (2-1) plays Oaks Christian (2-1) on Friday at Santa Ana Stadium. The nonleague game was previously scheduled for Thursday at Trabuco Hills High.
INJURY UPDATES
Servite quarterback Leo Hannan is “day to day” after suffering a lower leg injury against Chaminade last week, Friars coach Chris Reinert said. The senior and Michigan State commit was injured while throwing a deep pass. He was replaced by sophomore Colin O’Connor. …
Mater Dei coach Raul Lara said he isn’t sure yet of the playing status of wide receiver Chris Henry Jr., who was injured against Bishop Gorman of Las Vegas last week.
SHORT ROUTES
Servite offensive lineman Gavin Jones (6-7, 300) has committed to New Mexico State. …
Santa Margarita junior defensive back Lennie Brown has enrolled at Tustin, Tillers coach Anthony Lopez confirmed. …
The Kappa League enters the week with a composite record of 12-4 and with undefeated teams in Segerstrom (3-0), Brea Olinda (3-0) and Esperanza (2-0). The league’s winning percentage (.750) is the highest among the 12 leagues in the Orange County Football Conference. …
The Trinity League, which is not part of the conference, is a combined 16-1. All six teams are ranked nationally inside the Top 50 by MaxPreps. …
Orange freshman quarterback Star Thomas has completed 67 percent of his passes for 1,098 yards and seven TDs. …
Orange quarterback Star Thomas looks for a receiver against Villa Park in Orange on Friday, Aug. 30, 2024. (Photo by Paul Rodriguez, Contributing Photographer)
Thomas’ passing yards rank second in the county to Canyon junior Alex Lundsberg, who has 1,123 yards and 13 TDs. Lundsberg has completed 73 percent of his passes and has not been intercepted.
Orange and Canyon don’t play each other this season.
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