With additional reporting by George Laase.
The 3-2 Culver City High School football team will face its toughest test on Friday night, hosting 4-1 Lawndale at 7 o’clock at Jerry Chabola Stadium on campus.
Lawndale is the highest ranked team in the Ocean League and brings one of the best quarterbacks in the Southern California, Chris Murray.
In the league opener for both schools, the Centaurs must find a way to slow or stop the 6-4, 195-pound Murray, who beats teams with his feet and his arm..
“Lawndale will be tough,” said Culver City Coach Jahmal Wright. “They have a talented team. It all starts with their quarterback. He is going to be a handful. They also have a good tailback but I think it’s going to be a great game. I am good friends with the Lawndale coach, Travis Clark. We became head coaches at the same time, and we have a friendly rivalry going. “
Last Friday the Centaurs traveled to Oxnard and whacked Channel Islands, 54-30. “This was a good win,” said Wright said. “I challenged the team to play hard for four quarters. The coaches told the offensive line to control the line of scrimmage and make explosive plays.”
The Centaurs were hot from the first play.
Fred Poindexter returned the opening kickoff 71 yards. Three plays later running back Cahlil Hooper scored. “Before you could blink we were up 14-0, and we never looked back,” said Wright.”
The Centaurs’ top two running backs had huge games. Poindexter gained 132 yards in 12 carries and Hooper ran the ball 12 times for 114 yards. Quarterback Jonathan Martin completed 14 out of 23 passes for 247 yards and two touchdowns and he also ran for two touchdowns.
Although the skilled players on offense get a lot of credit the offensive line is the foundation that gets the ball rolling. “Right now we are hitting on all cylinders on the offensive line,” said Wright.
Key players on the offensive line are center Jayden Porter, right guard Cameron Lowe, right tackle Justin Berry, left guard Richard Yoshida, left tackle Cameryn Newman, guard Nick Swinford and tackle Sebastian Knowles.
Junior defensive back and wide receiver Mekhi Ware is enjoying an excellent season, a Deon Sanders-type year in the defensive backfield.
Ware’s nine interceptions are the best in the country. “I feel like the ball is just coming to me,” he said
As for the game, “we came out and did our jobs,” Ware said.
Culver City is hoping the ball continues to bounce its way.
In Volleyball
The girls volleyball team, 7-5-1, goes to Santa Monica on Friday for a 3:15 match. Coach Joe Manzo’s Lady Centaurs return home on Wednesday to play Hawthorne at 4 inside the Del Goodyear Gym.
Mr. Finley may be contacted at sfinley50@aol.com
Mr. Laase may be contacted at GMLaase@aol.com