If you haven’t checked out the Chinese Zodiac calendar recently, go ahead and Google it right now.

    Got it? All right. You’ll notice that we are currently in the Year of the Snake, which runs until Jan. 30. And if you’ve been paying attention to the high school football playoff race this season, there is no doubt we are smack dab in the middle of the Year of the Snake.

    This snake is a Diamondback, of course.

    The Century High School football team has qualified for the 4A state playoffs, and is playing at an extremely high level right now. The D-backs pasted a very good Bonneville team 31-6 two weeks ago, and went down to Preston and smacked the Indians 35-7 last Friday.

    With a 21-19 loss at Rigby earlier in the season, Century became the biggest Trojan fans in the world. In order for the D-backs to make the playoffs, Rigby had to beat Bonneville.

    It took an overtime period, but the Trojans finally got past the Bees 28-26, helping Century reach its goal.

    It really is the Year of the Snake.

    Part of me says the Diamondbacks got lucky, the other part tells me they earned it.

    Why can’t both be true? Century is playing like a team possessed. After the loss to Rigby, the guys knew they had to win out to have a chance.

    Check.

    They also needed some help from Rigby.

    Check.

    That’s it. They’re in. The Diamondbacks are headed to state, and the rest of the 4A teams better look out.

    With speedy receivers like Logan Fackrell, Mason Spillett and Scott Kuhn, a smash-mouth running back like Remy Lambson plus a stud quarterback like Shane Rominger, Century will score at will.

    Don’t forget the defense. Led by fire-breathing linebacker Austin Ferguson and ball-hawking safety Andy Whittier, the Diamondbacks light up opposing offenses.

    Don’t believe me, ask their previous two opponents.

    At this point of my column I would like to bring up rankings. Currently, Century is not in the 4A media poll, and I have a big issue with this. The D-backs just smashed Bonneville, and the Bees are ranked No. 5.

    Let’s fix this, please. Hopefully, when the new poll is released Wednesday, Century will find itself ranked once again.

    Moving on...

    Don’t get me wrong. I am not saying Century will win a state title this season. With No. 4 Rigby, No. 3 Twin Falls (the D-backs’ first-round opponent in the state playoffs), No. 2 Skyview and No. 1 Bishop Kelly poised for title runs of their own, the Diamondbacks have their work cut our for them.

    Just don’t be surprised when Century makes all sorts of noise in the playoffs. Consider this column the Diamondbacks’ official coming out party.

    They are for real, and perhaps luck is on their side as well.

    Welcome to the Year of the Snake.