Prep Football team previews: Central Spartans

Central Spartans ready for fresh start after tough playoff exit

EL CENTRO, Calif. (KYMA, KECY) - After last season's high hopes came to a screeching halt with a Division III semifinal loss in the CIF San Diego Section playoffs, the Central Spartans are putting last year behind them and focusing on the season ahead.

Senior leaders are setting the tone early. Quarterback Luis Jimenez says the team's attention is on their season opener against Jurupa Hills.

"Right now, we're just focused on Jurupa Hills…they're coming down, so we're gonna just wait and prepare for them right here," Jimenez said.

Running back and linebacker Matthew Lizaola echoed that mindset, highlighting the focus on taking each game one at a time.

"Excited for the IVL games as well as the Bell Game obviously because of what happened last year, but our mindset going in every week is to go 1-0, so we’re attacking this one game at a time," he said.

That "Spartan family" mentality is something ingrained early and carried throughout the program. Sophomore defensive lineman Anthony Rodriguez says it's a principle that guides players on and off the field.

"Coach Peña talks about it a lot...like you gotta be better in life, school, and show the younger guys coming in how we do it in this program," Rodriguez said.

Head Coach Rookie Peña says instilling the right mindset doesn't happen overnight.

"We started back in January. Our guys understand that we have a short timeframe as we go through the season, and now the season is here, we understand that every week counts," he said.

Peña adds that a strong foundation of veteran players is key to passing down the Spartan way to younger teammates.

"We're fortunate to have that base foundation, and the guys understand what those guys…having that many years in the program…they understand what Central stands for, they understand the pride and tradition," Peña said.

Central finished last season with an 8-4 record, including a 2-2 mark in the Imperial Valley League.

The team will lean on a blend of senior leadership, rising talent, and a strong program culture as they chase a successful season, a different outcome in the Bell Game, and a deep playoff run.