This is a special time for Culver City High School sports. For the first time in school history, two teams will go into the CIF playoffs ranked No. 1.

The girls volleyball team is top-rated in CIF No. 1 in Division 11.

They begin their quest to repeat as CIF champions when they play their second game in the CIF playoffs on Thursday at 7 o’clock inside the Del Goodyear Gym.

Their next game will be Saturday at 7 in the same gym.

The football team, 8-1, will finish their regular season on Friday against 0-9 Beverly Hills inside Jerry Chabola Stadium at 7 o’clock.

The Centaurs, 3-1 in the Ocean League. start their playoffs on Friday, Nov. 10.

The 25-1 girls volleyball team has a target on its back.

“We need to take it one game at a time,” said Coach Tanner Siegal. “Nothing is guaranteed. Last season was last season.

“This is a new year, a new team.”

Coach Siegal is guarding against overconfidence. “We are focused to take it one game at a time,” he said.

He will rely on senior leadership to guide his young group through the playoffs.

“Our veterans and seniors are excited to be in position to win back-to-back championships,” said Coach Siegal.

“We have so many young players getting good exposure. The championship mentality is oozing through the program right now. We have a homegrown system, and it starts in middle school.”

The football team continues to battle the injury bug. During last Friday’s 42-0 win at Santa Monica, all-CIF quarterback Jonathan Martin was injured. The good news is Culver City has so much depth they were able to overcome the injury — for now.

Coach Jahmal Wright said the victory was bittersweet because of Martin’s injury. “But we had guys step up,” he said.

“This team has character and camaraderie. That is what I am proudest of. It makes coaching easier when you have a great coaching staff and great players.”

Mr. Finley may be contacted at sfinley50@aol.com