A first quarter filled with interceptions, turnovers and mistakes began to set the tone for Central High's Friday night game against South Mountain. It looked like another setback in a season that has left many Central fans questioning if the team would ever find its groove. 

But a fateful interception by Jose Escalera with 44.7 seconds left in the first quarter changed the momentum of the Central High team. Escalera ultimately stunned the crowd with an 80-yard touchdown leading to a 33-19 victory. The touchdown, with 29.5 seconds left in the first quarter, highlighted the precision that had been notably absent all season. 

Escalera had three interceptions, two touchdowns and more playing time than anyone else as he represented both offense and defense on the field.

This is a Central that hasn’t been seen all season. “We are better than others, it’s not arrogance, it’s a fact,” said defensive lineman Eloi Kwete. After opening with two losses, Central has won two in a row, and seems reborn with Kwete and the defense leading the way. 

The Bobcats successfully shut down the Jaguars air game which junior Casey Clanton had noted during practice would be the key to a Central win. South Mountain was intercepted four times. “They came in expecting to throw the ball right over us,” Coach Jon Clanton said, “But as you can see that didn’t happen.”

But the night wasn’t smooth sailing. Penalty flags were thrown like confetti, with Clanton even receiving an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty after reacting to a poor call on the field. “Coach you already have one unsportsmanlike against you. One more and you will be suspended from the game,” a ref said as Clanton stormed back to the coaches’ box.  

But, this was not the biggest issue of the night. With under two minutes left in the game the offense lined up preparing to make another drive when two players made helmet to helmet contact. Senior running back Alonzo Cortez suffered a possible neck injury and was sent to the hospital.

The post-win celebration was smothered by the wail of emergency sirens as paramedics arrived, but the team lined a pathway to cheer their teammate on as he was rolled towards the ambulance.