2013 Centennial Football Capsule
Head coach: Leon Evans, fourth season (24-11)
2012 record: 9-3 (4-1 Southwest, second)
Returning lettermen: 16
Returning starters: Two offense, two defense
Base offensive set: Spread
Base defensive set: 4-4
Top offensive players: RB Lantz Worthington (Sr.); OL Nate Gifford (Sr.)
Top defensive players: LB Toby Lopez (Sr.); LB Josh Gray (Sr.); DE Haikeem Arnold (Sr.)
Top special teams players: KR Lantz Worthington (Sr.)
Top newcomers: DL Greg Rogers (Fr.); DE Skye Rodriguez (So.); K Zach Mays (Jr.); DL Justin shellard (Jr.); H-back Hunter Brown (Jr.)
Key losses: QB Austin Turley; RB Coby Newton; WR Deontae Gilkey; OL/DL Jordan Karst; LB Chance McCutcheon; LB Andrew Romoff
Outlook: By any measure, 2012 was one of the most successful in school history for the Bulldogs.
Not only did Centennial advance to the Sunset Region title game, but two of the team’s three losses came to eventual state champion Bishop Gorman. The other loss, a 31-18 defeat against Arbor View, was avenged in the playoffs.
But Centennial had 35 seniors, so things may not go quite as smoothly this season, especially early.
Offensive leaders Turley (1,349 passing yards, 16 TDs) and Newton (1,356 rushing yards, 13 TDs) are gone, leaving Worthington as the main weapon.
Worthington flashed tremendous big-play ability in spot duty last season, rushing for 644 yards and 10 TDs. But he’ll have to carry the load this season.
Lopez will have to do the same on defense, after recording 126 tackles and two sacks last season.
The Bulldogs may not match last season’s success, but a playoff berth should be within reach.