High school football: Central rolls past Garza, but game ends early due to fight

The first high school football meeting between Central and Garza wasn’t close.

In fact, The Bee’s sixth-ranked Grizzlies, which stood on the visitors sideline for the first time since gracing Koligian Stadium, got going early and often in a 40-0 victory over the Guardians on Friday night.

The game, however, didn’t go the full four quarters.

The referees signaled the end of the game early because of a fight that happened on the field after a Guardians player allegedly ripped off a Grizzlies player helmet and hit him with it.

That led to a fight and subsequently the end of the game with 10 minutes remaining.

It’s unknown which players were involved.

The game, however, featured the debut of Grizzlies sophomore quarterback Jelani Dippel.

After throwing an early interception, Dippel held his own, finishing the game completing 20 of 26 for 293 yards and two touchdowns.

Junior running back Brandon Smith backed his quarterback.

Smith finished with 13 carries for 187 yards and three touchdowns.

He scored his first touchdown on a 4-yard run with 1 minute left in the first quarter..

He highlighted his night when Smith scored on a 92-yard run in the second quarter. His third touchdown came on a 1-yard run.

And he also contributed defensively.

Smith added an interception to his resume in the third quarter.

Sign Up for Local Breaking News