Years from now there could be a heated debate about which Corona Centennial football team stands head and shoulders above the rest.

You can make an argument for each of the Huskies' five championship teams, and future teams could find a way into that discussion, too.

The 2008 Huskies have a strong case. Not only did they become the first team in school history to go undefeated, but they also became the first team from Inland Southern California to win a state bowl game.

"It was a season of firsts, and that is their legacy," Coach Matt Logan said.

"If you told me at the beginning of the year we would go undefeated and win a state championship, I don't know if I would have believed you. The kids worked hard, did what was asked of them, and all of the pieces fell into place."

For its accomplishments, Centennial's football team was selected the HS GameTime boys team of the year for the 2008-09 school year.

Centennial had to replace its offensive superstars from the previous season, but Taylor Martinez, Arthur Burns, Ricky Marvray, Geshun Harris and Nick Beasley helped the Huskies remain explosive.

However, it was the team's equally-impressive defense, led by Vontaze Burfict and William Sutton, that had the opposition most worried.

"They're a hard-nosed bunch of guys who play tough," Vista Murrieta coach Coley Candaele said. "Combine that defense with a lethal offense and it's a nasty combination to go up against."

Centennial was selected to play in the CIF-State Division 1 bowl game, a much-desired rematch with Concord De La Salle. The Huskies completed the perfect season and got their revenge by pulling out a 21-16 victory.

Centennial was second in the USA Today national rankings, the highest for an Inland area team in 15 years.

Reach Eric-Paul Johnson at 951-368-9530 or ejohnson@PE.com

STORY: Girls team of the year