Century Takes Lead but Can’t Keep It Against Bloomington

SANTA ANA — Century High School scared Bloomington for a half Thursday night at Santa Ana Stadium, but the Centurions eventually lost, 24-14, and are still looking for their first varsity football victory in school history.

“We have to walk before we can run,” Century Coach Bill Brown said. “But right now, we’re breaking into a trot.”

Century’s Orlando Olivos, a sophomore wide receiver, set up the game’s first score with a 57-yard reception from sophomore quarterback Rick Odoardi.

Odoardi capped the drive with a one-yard run, scoring the first points of the year against the stingy Bloomington defense to give Century a 6-0 lead.

Bloomington responded by marching 79 yards in 10 plays and scoring on a fourth-and-goal, four-yard pass from Larry Humphreys to Jason Smith. Greg Mermilliod made the conversion to give the Bruins a 7-6 lead.

Bloomington scored the next 17 points, including a third-quarter, 97-yard interception return by Keith Gory. Century finished the scoring with a touchdown in the game’s final minute.

“We’ll get our first win yet,” Brown said. “And I won’t be pleased until we do.”

Odoardi was a bright spot for the Centurions’ offense, completing nine of 17 passes for 204 yards, including three passes that went for more than 40 yards. He also intercepted one Bloomington pass from his cornerback position.