MURRIETA — Centennial’s defensive line likes to play “knockback” football, and Thursday night at Vista Murrieta, knockback was a knockout. The Huskies dominated the defensive front, frequently destroying plays in the Broncos’ backfield, and held their shorthanded hosts to 65 yards from scrimmage in handing Vista Murrieta its worst defeat in school history, 63-0. It is the second consecutive shutout and fifth win in a row for Centennial (5-2 overall), which improved to 2-0 in Big West Conference-North Division play. The victory gives coach Matt Logan 291 wins in his career, moving him within one of Dick Bruich’s Inland-area record set at Fontana and Kaiser. The Huskies put up 60 points on an opponent for the third consecutive game. After losing a fumble deep in their own territory on the game’s first possession, the Centennial defense held Vista Murrieta, then breathed a sigh of relief as a 33-yard field goal attempt drifted wide right. The Huskies proceeded to score on their next five possessions and returned two punts for touchdowns to take a 49-0 halftime lead. Centennial quarterback Husan Longstreet completed 10 of 13 passes for 216 yards and three touchdowns in one half of work. Tavian McNair caught four passes for 109 yards, including a 38-yard touchdown. Noah Westbrook (39 yards) and Braylin Drake (21 yards) also had touchdown catches, and reserve quarterback Dominick Catalano connected with Tyler George (67 yards) and Philip Shirley (83 yards) for touchdowns in the second half. Dylan Walner had a 45-yard punt return for a score, and Boogie Williams sped 49 yards with a punt for a touchdown. But for all that firepower, Centennial’s next challenge is figuring out how to slow down Murrieta Valley’s rugged ground game when the teams square off Oct. 18 at Centennial. The Nighthawks average nearly 219 yards per game and 7 yards per rush. That duty will rest primarily with defensive linemen Benjamin Tameifuna and Leonard Woods, who clog the middle and free the Huskies’ linebackers to blitz. “We need that knockback to get into the backfield,” said Tameifuna, a 6-foot, 300-pound junior. “A lot of the time our linebackers couldn’t get where they needed because we were getting blocked by one guy. So as long as we take on those double teams, the backers are free.” Logan said the defensive line has made tremendous strides since season-opening losses to Mater Dei, the No. 1-ranked team in the nation, and Santa Margarita. “We feel like our d-line is one of the better ones we’ve had here,” Logan said. “They’ve improved immensely after we played three No. 1 teams from three different states. When you see the size of the guys they played against – the Utah teams were crazy – and Mater Dei, we know the level we have to get to.” “Those guys, Centennial’s defense, are special,” said Vista Murrieta’s Cash Bryant, who was pressed into service at running back. Related Articles High School Sports | Rancho Verde football team uses big third quarter to pull away from Vista del Lago High School Sports | Cajon football team bounces back, routs Redlands East Valley High School Sports | Norte Vista football team moving ball forward thanks to veteran group up front High School Sports | IE Varsity’s previews of the top high school football games Friday, Oct. 11 High School Sports | Inland high school football stat leaders, Oct. 10 The Broncos (4-3, 0-2) played without outstanding sophomore quarterback Bryson Beaver, who injured a knee last week against Chaparral, as well as junior wide receiver Sean McCullough (hamstring), running back Malachi Sayles (transferred) and Landon Potter (leg). Junior Ben Medina took the snaps for the Broncos but he was constantly pressured, completing 3 of 10 passes. Bryant’s reward for his new assignment was clobbered on each of his 18 carries, eking out 27 yards. “Hopefully I get more touches at running back. It was cool out there. It was fun,” Bryant said. “There are some guys who had to step up and take positions,” Vista Murrieta coach Coley Candaele said. “Ben had to play his first varsity game and took some shots that hurt and he came back and fought through that. “Centennial is physical, they’re weight-room strong, they’re fast. And there’s a lot of things our kids got to feel. They got to see what it’s like to be at the top level,” Candaele said. “That’s what we get out of this, to feel what it’s like to be hit by someone who is weight-room strong.” Vista Murrieta will be at home Oct. 18 against Roosevelt.