Century football team looking for a ‘fresh start’ competing in new Zeta League

Century players prepare on campus for the 2024 season opener. (Photo courtesy Century football).

Century High School’s football team, coached by Lance Neal, is looking for a successful season competing in the new Zeta League.

“The 2024 Centurions are hoping for multiple wins and a shot at the playoffs,” Neal said.

Other teams in the five-team Zeta League are Godinez, Savanna, Saddleback and Magnolia.

“We are looking forward to a fresh start in a new league,” Neal said. “We hope to make a run for a playoff spot.”

Century will be led by seniors: quarterback Daniel Joya, running back/linebacker Noe Najera, wide receiver/defensive back Kevin Jaimes, wide receiver/defensive back Derek Lemus, wide receiver/defensive back Jose Jimenez, running back/linebacker Chuy Valdivia, offensive/defensive lineman Joseph Garcia and offensive/defensive lineman Alexis Ayala.

The Centurions are also counting on juniors: wide receiver/defensive back Mathew Pantaleon, tight end/outside linebacker Julien Servin, offensive lineman/defensive lineman Angel Tepox and offensive lineman/defensive lineman Alex Alonso.

Junior Derek Carrillo, a running back/outside linebacker, also joins the team.

“We are returning four of five starting offensive linemen including Joseph Garcia, Alexis Ayala, Angel Tepox and Alex Alonso and every skilled position except our running back position (Noe Najera) who we get back,” added offensive coordinator Kevin Nichols.

Najera was injured week one last year and didn’t play the rest of the season, Nichols said.

The Centurions are also experienced at wide receiver led by Jaimes and Lemus, Nichols said.

The running back position also looks solid.

“Derek Carrillo is coming back,” Nichols added. “He played varsity quarterback his freshman year but sat out his sophomore year due to an injury. He has switched positions and will be sharing the load in the backfield with Najera.”

Nichols said the coaches are excited about Joya, the quarterback, leading the offense.

“It’s his second year starting and he is the leader and captain of our team,” Nichols said. “We are expecting big things from him this year.”

Nichols said the defense should be improved after a full summer of 7-on-7 competition.

“The secondary is led by Jose Jimenez, Mathew Pantaleon and Anthony Martinez who have worked hard all summer,” Nichols said. “Our linebacking core has improved with Chuy Valdivia able to play all linebacker positions and Julien Servin leading at outside linebacker.

“Overall we were very young last year and having only graduated four seniors last year we should be ahead of the curve this year.” 

Century was 1-9 overall and 0-5 in the Orange League last year.

2024 SCHEDULE

Friday, Aug. 23, (H) vs. Gabrielino

Friday, Aug. 30, at Verbum Dei Jesuit

Thursday, Sept. 5, at Azusa

Friday, Sept. 13, at Bolsa Grande

Friday, Sept. 20, (H) vs. Costa Mesa

Friday, Sept. 27, (H) vs. Loara

League

Friday, Oct. 11, (H) vs. Magnolia

Friday, Oct. 18, at Savanna

Friday, Oct. 25, (H) vs. Saddleback

Friday, Nov. 1, at Godinez

(Another in a series of high school football previews).

—Tim Burt, OC Sports Zone; timburt@ocsportszone.com