Previews of key Thursday night football games in the Inland area

Here is a look at two high school football games Thursday involving Inland teams.

CENTENNIAL (5-0) AT SANTIAGO (3-2), 7:30 p.m.

Game info: Centennial hit blackjack last season in recording its 21st straight win in the “Battle of Rimpau Avenue” series. Centennial’s offense has relied more on the passing game than years past. Carter Freedland and Ala Mikaele have split time behind center and combined to throw for 1,312 yards and 17 touchdowns. Defense has been a strength for Santiago this season, and the Sharks shut out Etiwanda in their final nonleague game. Phillip Le is averaging 12 tackles per game and has forced three fumbles from his linebacker spot, and cornerback Marcus Nesby has picked off a pass in three games. Santiago probably will rely on running backs Vincent Pacleb and Garrett McMurtry to slow down the game and limit Centennial’s possessions. The Sharks’ offensive line will have to contend with Drake Jackson and Korey Formeman, one of the best pass-rushing combos in the state.

SILVERADO (1-5) AT ADELANTO (5-0), 7 P.M.

Game info: Silverado has outscored Adelanto 254-17 in the teams’ previous five Desert Sky League meetings, but this is not the same Adelanto program. A new coach and several transfers have helped Adelanto to a 5-0 record, already setting a program record for wins in a season. Adelanto quarterback Alex Ochoa has thrown 16 touchdown passes, and the Saints have a potent 1-2 punch in the backfield with Marshawn Buchanan (150 rushing yards per game) and Hosia Stokes (211 all-purpose yards per game). Silverado played a tough nonleague schedule, and four of the five losses were by 10 points or fewer. The Hawks have a potent offense as well, with running back Nicholas Reed-Casey (402 yards, 10 TDs) and receiver Devin Gandy (28 catches, 596 yards, 7 TDs) leading the way.

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