Chargers Capture First CIF State Title with Last-Second Win Over Central (2024)

Mission Viejo – Saddleback College Stadium

Edison claimed its first CIF state championship Saturday with a thrilling 21-14 win over Central of Fresno at Saddleback College. Sam Thomson delivered the deciding moment, connecting with Jake Minter on a 54-yard touchdown pass with just 20 seconds remaining.

The Chargers’ defense was elite, shutting out Central in the second half and stepping up in key moments. Matt Lopez broke up a pivotal fourth-down pass late in the game, giving Edison possession for the winning drive. Devyn Blake’s sack and a midfield tackle sealed the victory as time expired.

Julius Gillick capped his record-setting senior season with 129 rushing yards and two touchdowns, finishing with 2,494 yards on the year. “There’s not a single person that doesn’t know for a fact that we are winning this championship,” Gillick declared before the title game.

Edison opened strong with a 15-play, 59-yard drive capped by Gillick’s 1-yard touchdown. Central responded with a 38-yard touchdown pass from Jelani Dippel to EJ Morgan. Gillick’s second score, a 14-yard run, restored Edison’s lead, but Central tied the game at halftime with a touchdown catch by Bayon Harris.

Edison’s defense made the difference after the break. Gavin Slaughter intercepted a deep pass before halftime, while Carson Schmidt added another pick early in the third quarter. Central, struggling on late downs, converted only two of six third-down attempts and one of four fourth-down tries in the second half.

“Everybody stepped up when it mattered most,” Edison coach Jeff Grady said. Jeremiah Ross, Blake, Minter, and Lopez all contributed key tackles and sacks.

The Chargers, who beat Simi Valley in the Division 3 CIF-SS finals and Granite Hills in the regional, ended their season 12-4, bringing home their first state crown.