Spartans collapse in sectional championship

CHULA VISTA, Calif. (KYMA) - The Central Spartans and the Christian Patriots met at DeVore Stadium in Chula Vista for the CIF San Diego Section Division III Championship, a matchup that opened with a dominant first half from Christian and a late surge from Central that ultimately fell short.

Christian struck quickly on the opening drive, as quarterback Caleb Runkle orchestrated a steady march down the field with short, efficient throws.

One of those passes found Hank Houston, who shook off multiple defenders before crossing the goal line less than three minutes into the game.

Runkle continued his early command later in the half, dropping back and launching a deep ball to senior wide receiver Ronnie Scott. Scott completed the play with a diving catch in the back of the end zone, extending the Patriots' lead to 14-0 and capping a first half controlled entirely by Christian.

Central’s spark came in the fourth quarter. Trailing by 21, the Spartans made a change under center, inserting Alec Hernandez at quarterback.

Hernandez immediately injected life into the offense, connecting with Emiliano Morales on a perfectly placed throw that set up the Spartans at the one-yard line. Senior captain Matthew Lizaola powered into the end zone moments later, giving Central its first points of the night.

The Spartans’ defense followed with a crucial stop, winning the battle at the line of scrimmage and stuffing Christian’s next rushing attempt.

Central built on that momentum during its ensuing possession. Quarterback Isaiah Pierce led the drive into the red zone and delivered a strike to CJ Acosta, who made a contested catch in traffic to cut the deficit to 21-12.

Central elected to go for two, and Lizaola pushed his way across the goal line with help from a collective surge by the offensive unit, narrowing Christian's lead to seven and sending a jolt of energy through the Spartan faithful.

However, Christian responded immediately. On the following drive, Runkle once again connected with Scott for their second touchdown of the night, restoring a 14-point cushion and effectively sealing the outcome.

The Patriots held off Central's late rally to secure a 28-14 victory and claim the Division III championship, ending the Spartans' comeback bid.