Frisco Centennial football snapped its three-game losing streak with a 26-5 victory over Frisco Lebanon Trail at Kuykendall Stadium. The win marked the Titans' first of the season and their opening result in the District 5-5A Division I schedule.
Head coach Joe Castillo credited the defensive unit for the turnaround, noting that the team settled into their scheme and tackled effectively, which in turn energized the offense.
Lebanon Trail took an early 3-0 lead after sophomore Wesley Mirike kicked a 26-yard field goal following a 15-play drive. The Blazers also forced two Centennial turnovers on downs in the first half, including a pass breakup by senior Merhawi Smith on fourth down. However, the Titans responded with two defensive plays that shifted the momentum.
Junior Christian Alfaro recovered a fumble forced by a defensive hit and returned it 32 yards for a touchdown, giving Centennial a 7-3 lead. Later, junior Landon Luhrs intercepted a third-down pass and returned it into Lebanon Trail territory, setting up a 35-yard reverse touchdown by senior Brendan Stephens to make it 13-3.
Stephens, who also handled kicking, punting, and safety duties, played a key offensive role developed during the bye week. He caught a 31-yard touchdown pass from junior Kasen Cox to open the third quarter, extending the lead to 20-3. Cox finished with two touchdown passes and a team-high 76 rushing yards.
