Centennial was cruising 36-0 over La Joya at home this past Friday in Peoria until the lightning hit, forcing a 90-minute rain delay before the game was ultimately canceled. Fans were evacuated into the gymnasium and officials went back and forth before finally calling the game. There was 8:07 to go in the second quarter when officials decided to evacuate. The game, which ended in a 36-0 win for the Coyotes, was one of several across the valley affected by the weather.

Centennial quarterback Justin Sanchez had a pair of touchdown passes, including a 50-yard strike to Jalen Ortiz with 8:19 left in the second quarter that put the Coyotes on top 36-0. Tyler Beenau returned a punt 52 yards for a score and standout senior Zach Hoffpauir added his sixth TD of the year with a 33-yard run early in the second.

The Coyotes, who improved to 3-and-0, now face their biggest test of the season so far this Thursday night as they host fellow undefeated Apollo in a Division II, Section I matchup. Apollo is also 3-and-0 following a 49-7 home rout of previously unbeaten Ironwood this past Friday. Apollo dual threat quarterback Jonathan Brown is coming off a huge game, as he ran for 207 yards and four touchdowns on 13 carries against Ironwood. He also finished 8-of-16 for 104 yards passing.

La Joya, which fell to 0-and-3, continues its tough road stretch at Millennium this Friday. The Lobos remain in search of their first points of the season. They have been outscored 147-0 so far this year. Millennium is 2-and-1 on the season and is coming off a 55-3 victory at Verrado.

Thomas Jenkins