Corona Centennial's old-school Helton twins play tough to whistle, 'sometimes beyond'
CORONA, CALIFORNIA — Centennial High of Corona coach Matt Logan says the Huskies are getting healthy on the offensive line. That’s bad news for opponents.
When the Husky offensive linemen run on the field together, precious little daylight is visible between them. They’re some big guys, led by fraternal twins Wade and Brent Helton.
Wade (6-foot-5, 290 pounds) was born 29 minutes before Brent (6-5, 300) but is slightly smaller.
“He’s always weighed more and is a little bit wider,” Wade said. “He’s also quieter and more reserved, except on the field.”
Pleasant and accommodating off the field, the senior duo is not to be trifled with when the game starts.
“They are old-school, hard-nosed, tough O-lineman,” Logan said. “They are strong and physical, and they play hard right up to the whistle and sometimes beyond.”
Wade and Brent Helton portrait.
Photo: John Murphy
Husky Fever
Logan recently won his 280th game to become the winningest coach in Riverside County history. The Huskies have captured 10 section titles and in 2008 went 15-0 and won the state title game against De La Salle of Concord, 21-16.
The Helton twins were just kids then but it’s impossible not to notice the Centennial program. It’s the only public school in the state that can consistently challenge Trinity League powers St. John Bosco of Bellflower and Mater Dei of Santa Ana.
So although they live in Norco and their father Mark and brother Marcus played for Norco High, the twins chose to enroll at Centennial.
“We wanted to play for coaches like Matt Logan and (O-Line coach) Alan Krueger and for one of the best teams in country,” Wade said.
“We wanted to play for Matt Logan and a program that develops players,” Brent said. “My dad has known (Logan) for a long time.”
Logan played for Norco as well.
“We allowed them to make their own decision but felt that Centennial had the best group of coaches in the area,” said Mark Helton, a general contractor in the area.
Brent and Wade Hlton with line coach Alan Kreuger.
Photo: John Murphy
Well-nourished
The Helton brothers sold themselves as a package deal and committed themselves to Iowa State in June. It was reason to celebrate, and the boys haven’t missed too many meals since.
“We’re Greek, so my mom makes a lot of kabobs and rice and steak and grape leaves,” Wade said.
“I make two lunches and two dinners for them,” said Jennifer Helton, the twins’ mom. “They eat dinner when they come home from school and then another one when they get home from practice. And Brent always needs dessert or he’s not happy.”
Recently, the family ratcheted things up a notch.
“We purchased a whole cow,” Mark said. “We have friends in Utah and they buy cows at auction and raise them. We bought one from them . ... it will last us the whole year.”
When the boys are celebrating Centennial victories or just feeling hunger pangs, In-N-Out Burger often beckons. Or else Brent’s favorites, Norco’s Best or Raising Cane’s.
“Wade likes In-N-Out,” Mark said. “He gets two Double-Doubles, fries, and a shake. Brent prefers chicken. He likes to get two Caniac Combos.”
Naturally, with all that girth and pent-up testosterone, there’s some roughhousing.
“Oh yeah,” Wade said. “We’ve broken chairs and tables, but we’re just messing around. Nothing serious.”
“The rough housing is non-stop,” Mark said. We have holes in the dry wall and just got new living room furniture because they destroyed the last set.”
Brent and Wade Helton up close.
Photo: John Murphy
Hurry up and score
The Huskies toil mid-week under a cloud-less blue sky. No music plays as the players loosen up under Logan’s watchful eye.
Then it’s time to split into groups. Matt Lance, one of several O-line coaches says, “All right, end zone. Elephants on parade.”
With that, behemoths like Drew Hill (6-3, 275), Fale Gatoloai (6-2, 290), Josiah Perez (6-0, 320) and the Heltons jog to their area.
Logan relies on large, athletic offensive lines to ignite his hurry-up, spread offense. The Huskies (6-2 overall, 3-0 league) average nearly 44 points per game. They have scored around 60 in each of their three Big West Conference-Upper Division games.
Centennial is at Murrieta Valley (6-2, 2-1) at 7 p.m. Friday in another important game.
That O-line led by the Heltons has helped running back Cornell Hatcher Jr. rush for 1,470 yards and 23 touchdowns and transfer junior quarterback Husan Longstreet throw for 1,778 yards and 15 scores.
“You have to be in great shape and run to the ball after every down,” Brent said. “There’s no break. But coach Logan does a good job of getting us in shape during our off-season training program.”
Wade Helton battles offensive player.
Photo: John Murphy
No creampuffs
Part of the reason the Heltons are at Centennial is the top competition. The Huskies’ only two losses are to national powers Mater Dei (28-14) and Bishop Gorman of Las Vegas (56-28). Mater Dei was No. 1 in the country all season until losing to St. John Bosco last week. Now Gorman is No. 1.
Once the playoffs commence, Mater Dei, St. John Bosco and others loom.
But the twins like the competition and are eager for what’s ahead.
“My goal is to win a championship and be the best I can be,” Brent said.
“We want to win CIF and go to the NFL,” Wade said.
John Murphy is the sports editor of Century Group Media of Southern California. Follow him at @PrepDawg2.
(All photos below by John Murphy)
Brent Helton chatting with Matt Lance.
Wade and Brent Helton looking on.
Brent Helton plotting his next move.
Brent Helton with Matt Lance 2.
More twins.
Brent Helton strapped on his helmet.
Next move.
Brent takes off his helmet.
More listening.
Wade waiting for a snap.
Brent on the sideline.
Brent Helton with assistant coach.
Brent Helton 1.
Brent Helton 2.
Brent Helton 3.
Wade Helton ready 2.
Brent Helton loosening up.
Wade Helton going to battle.
