Central East Surges Late to Win CIF Division 1-A State Title Over Pacifica, 42-28

Pacifica's 15-0 season ends with a second consecutive loss in the state final.

Overview

Central East closed with 21 points in the fourth quarter to pull away in Mission Viejo.
On fourth-and-3 from their own 48 with 4:12 left, Jelani Dippel hit Cal signee EJ Morgan deep to extend the drive that set up the clinching touchdown.
Arizona commit Brandon Smith ran for three scores, including the 15-yard capper, and finished with 144 rushing yards.
Dippel threw for 371 yards with two touchdowns and added a rushing score, and Kevin Cooks hauled in a pivotal second-half touchdown.
Pacifica quarterback Taylor Lee passed for 317 yards and two touchdowns but had two interceptions and a lost fumble, while Bayon Harris caught 11 passes for 174 yards and a touchdown.