Peoria Centennial football coach Andrew Taylor believes he's got a team that can win a game in December. But at which level? In 6A or the Open?
A December game usually means a deep playoff run.
Last year, in Taylor's first season as head coach, the Coyotes played a game in December, but lost to Queen Creek Casteel, 42-27, in the 6A final.
This year's team has much of its defense intact. Centennial is also led by a more experienced Titus Hill at quarterback and dynamic transfer running back Jaylee Abraham on board. Centennial might be too good to fall out of the Open Division playoffs early and drop into the 6A bracket this year
Taylor calls this one of the best teams in Centennial history. He was part of eight state championships as the defensive
coordinator under his father, Richard Taylor.
"It's really Open or bust this year," said senior Luke Franklin, a defensive end and outside linebacker. "I mean, 6A was great. But it's a different-level team this year"
Safety Elijah Carothers, a Northern Arizona commit who teams up in the secondary with his brother Josiah, feels the energy and skill set will take the team far.
"I think we have a great team to do it this year," Carothers said.
Taylor, who followed his father, Richard, as the head coach last year, likes the experience and passion this team displays.
"We have a lot of experience coming back," Taylor said. "There were times last year, on defense, especially, we didn't have any seniors out there. We did have a few seniors but due to injuries, at times, it was all juniors and sophomores. We're hoping that year of experience really pays off. Some of the guys are getting bigger, faster, stronger. And we return a lot of important pieces on offense and special teams."
Last year, the Coyotes opened against Chandler, losing a close game 24-17. Little did anybody know then that both teams would wind up in December championship games — Chandler losing to Basha in the Open final and Centennial losing to Casteel in 6A.
But both teams were quick learners under new coaches. Chandler was led by Ty Wisdom, who was coming off a Nebraska championship at Millard South.
This year's Centennial team opens at ALA Queen Creek on Aug. 27.
"We have extremely high expectations," Taylor said. "I feel like we have one of the best teams we've ever had in the history of Centennial High School this year."
Hill's development at quarterback will be key to whether the Coyotes are playing for an Open or a 6A title this year. He's gotten more athletic and is more confident, ready to break loose from collapsing pockets and use his legs to make plays.
Last year, Hill, 6-foot-3, 190 pounds, passed for 2,525 yards and 23 touchdowns with three interceptions, completing 56% of his passes. He ran for 40 yards on 22 carries. He's got his twin brother Torrin, a talented tight end, to throw to in tight windows, knowing he'll make plays.
"It's hard for a sophomore to lead a team with an elite offense," Taylor said. "He did a really good job last year. But having another year, moving into his junior year, he's going to be a lot more prepared."
This could be one of the most dynamic backfields in the state with Abraham and bullish back Derrion Bartholomew.
They've got one of the best offensive linemen in the state in Benjamin Lowther, who is 6-8, 320 pounds and committed to Stanford, and Karmello Calloway (6-6, 320).
Lowther is impressed by how much the offensive line has improved since spring ball.
"From spring ball to now, it's competely different," Lowther said. "Everybody has gotten two times better. Especially with the D-line. We've got great matchups. I think we've got the best, most technically sound D-line that I've ever played against."
Leading that group is Franklin, who will also pop as an outside linebacker.
"It's a different level of expectation," Franklin said. "We expect to win the Open, play in December."
Like Taylor said before he introduced his team during the Peoria Unified School District media day, "This is a team that can win a game in December."
Richard Obert has been covering high school sports since the 1980s for The Arizona Republic. Catch the best high school sports coverage in the state. Sign up for Azcentral Preps Now. And be sure to subscribe to our daily sports newsletters so you don't miss a thing. To suggest human-interest story ideas and other news, reach Obert at richard.obert@arizonarepublic.com or 602-316-8827. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter:@azc_obert
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Centennial football thinks it can compete for Open Division title
