Peoria Centennial continued its dominance and shut down the state’s most explosive passing attack as the host Coyotes defeated Mesa Desert Ridge 51-8 Friday night to advance to the 5A-II semifinals.

The Coyotes, whose only loss came to 5A-I heavyweight Chandler Hamilton, controlled the line of scrimmage and put constant pressure on Desert Ridge’s Josh Cain, the state’s leading passer.

Cain finished the game with 270 yards on 31-for-66 passing, but had three interceptions and was sacked three times, unable to overcome Centennial’s swarming defense.

Cain was able to complete short passes and screens, but was unable to get any type of vertical passing game together against Centennial’s first-string defense.

“We played an OK game and they played a great game,” Desert Ridge coach Jeremy Hathcock said. “They are clearly the best team at our level.”

The Coyote offense is peaking at the right time. Centennial has outscored its opponents 200-22 in the past four games. For the seventh time this year, it has scored at least 40 points.

Spearheading the Coyote attack was senior quarterback Scott Burgett. He had just 117 yards and didn’t need any more.

Burgett also had two passing scores in the first half and added a 6-yard run on the last play of the first half to give the Coyotes a 31-0 lead at the break.

In the first half, Centennial outgained Desert Ridge 269-100 but was slowed down by costly penalties.

Centennial committed 11 penalties for 93 yards and three times points were taken off the scoreboard.

The Jaguars scored their lone touchdown late in the fourth quarter with the game out of reach.

Cain connected with senior Carl Curtis on a 30-yard pass and the two hooked up again on the 2-point conversion.

John and Anthony Hughes scored two touchdowns apiece for the Coyotes.

John Hughes provided the most exciting play of the game, a 95-yard interception return in the third quarter.