Last-second 54-yard TD catch, run by Jake Minter lifts Edison past Central in CIF championship: Live updates recap

MISSION VIEJO, CALIFORNIA — Huntington Beach Edison goes after its first state championship while Fresno Central goes for its second in Saturday's California CIF Division 1-A championship at Saddleback College.
The kickoff is set for 3:30 p.m. and can been seen on the NFHS Network.
The Chargers welcome back Julius Gillick and it feels like destiny.
The Edison star running back was suspended from playing in the team’s CIF Southern Section Division 3 final due to a questionable second unsportsmanlike penalty in the semifinal. The Chargers won the title without him and Gillick returned in the regional final to run for 240 yards and three TDs.
Central is an ultra-dynamic team that can pass and run. Sophomore QB Jelani Dippel has thrown for more than 3,000 yards and 39 TDs. Running back Brandon Smith is up to 1,800 yards rushing and 25 TDs. (FULL STORY) PREVIEW
LIVE UPDATES: CENTRAL VS. EDISON
1ST QUARTER
TOUCHDOWN EDISON! What a drive! Edison takes opening kickoff and drives it metholcially down field led by Gillick, who powers it in from the 1 on 4th down. A 16-play, 59-yard drive chews up the first 9 minutes, 8 seconds of the quarter. Impressive. No penalties. No fumbles. EDISON 7, CENTRAL 0. 2:46 1Q.
2ND QUARTER
TOUCHDOWN CENTRAL! While Edison grinds, Central bombs! Beautiful 38-yard TD pass from Jelani Dippel to EJ Morgan. Central 7, Edidson 7. Early 2nd.
Je’lani Dippel 38-yard TD pass to EJ Morgan. Central responds to Edison’s grinding drive with a bomb. 7-7 early 2Q. pic.twitter.com/hIOabNmfpE
— Mitch Stephens (@MitchBookLive) December 15, 2024
TOUCHDOWN GILLICK! Another power drive finished off a 14-yard bullish run at the finish by Gillick. He sprinted outside and bullied a DB. Edison 14, Central 7. 5-play, 67-yard drive. 7:20 2Q.
Bully ball. Julius Gillick breaks outside then powers over DB. 14 yards. Edison goes up 14-7. 7:20 2Q. CIF D1-A title. pic.twitter.com/KZynWpqTDY
— Mitch Stephens (@MitchBookLive) December 15, 2024
TOUCHDOWN CENTRAL! After a dropped TD, Bayon Harris with spectacular 5-yard TD grab as Central ties game with another long touchdown drive. Central 14, Edison 14. 4:26 2Q.
If at first you don’t succeed… After a couple dropped passes Central’s Bayon Harris makes spectacular 5-yard TDcatch by Dippel. So far fantastic game. No punts. Up and down field in different ways. Game tied at 14-14. 4:26 2Q. pic.twitter.com/pWXloYvHxS
— Mitch Stephens (@MitchBookLive) December 15, 2024
Edison Gavin Slaughter with interception that basically ends the half. Central and Edison tied at 14. pic.twitter.com/yYdhEB943Q
— Mitch Stephens (@MitchBookLive) December 15, 2024
End of half: Edison 14, Central 14
3RD QUARTER
INTERCEPTION EDISON: Dippel intercepted Devyn Blake. This after Brandon Smith opens with 20-yard gain. Last two passes by Dippel, a super impressive sophomore, intercepted. He's only had one pass go incomplete.
- END OF 3: Edison 14, Central 14. Lot of movement between the 20s but not much else.
4TH QUARTER
INTERCEPTION CENTRAL! Great pick in the end zone by Xavior Jones! Central takes over at its own 20. 7:48 4Q.
Xavier Jones with great pick for Central. 7:48 4Q. Tied at 14-14. pic.twitter.com/qwTrPoVHUX
— Mitch Stephens (@MitchBookLive) December 15, 2024
HOLD ON DOWNS! Central zips right down field, all the way to the Edison 6. Three straight incompletes, the last one a drop in the end zone. Edison takes over at the 6 with 4:54 to go.
Here was 4th down throw. Good one. Jones turned, ball was there. Tough catch but he’ll likely like another shot. He just made great interception. pic.twitter.com/FaSQNiyzqi
— Mitch Stephens (@MitchBookLive) December 15, 2024
3-AND-OUT! Edison punts, Central takes over at Edison 49. 3:09 remaining. Still tied at 14-14.
EDISON HOLDS ON DOWNS: Central travels to Edison 32, but gets no closer. 4th down pass to Smith broken up. Edison takes over at 32 with 49 seconds left. 2 timeouts.
TOUCHDOWN EDISON!!! Sam Thomson to Jake Minter 54 yards touchdown. What a catch and run by Minter! 20 seconds left. Edison 21, Central 14. 0:20 4Q.
EDISON HOLDS!
FINAL: Edison 21, Central 14
Final: Edison 21, Central 14. Hat a celebration! pic.twitter.com/PTMvhmpOSv
— Mitch Stephens (@MitchBookLive) December 15, 2024