Keys to Victory: Coach Rookie Peña

Coach Rookie Peña says last week’s halftime told him everything he needed to know about his team. Down 17–14, the seniors and the coaching staff regrouped, adjusted, and flipped the momentum in a second-half shutout that sent Central to the CIF semifinals.

With University City coming to Cal Jones Field this Friday night, Rookie talked about the mentality it takes at this stage — the physicality, the preparation, and the understanding that everyone is good at this level. Everyone’s tired, everyone’s banged up, and every opponent is dangerous.

For Central, it comes down to senior leadership and, as Rookie put it, “trusting the process” — and knowing they can adjust when it matters most. Semifinal football is about moments, and Central believes they’re ready for another one Friday night.