A football team is like a puzzle. If one piece is missing, the puzzle is incomplete.  Players, parents, school administrators, coaches, the offense, the defense and special teams complete the puzzle. Culver City High School placekicker Carlos Barrillo makes the Centaurs a complete team.

In nine games, Barrillo has scored 66 points, made 45 of 47 extra points and seven  out of nine field goal attempts.

His longest field goal is 38 yards although he has made 50-yard field goals in practice.  That’s pretty good for someone who has been kicking for only one year.

“My friend on the team, Jordan Armstrong, said I had a good leg, so he suggested that I try out for the team as a kicker,” said Barrillo after Culver City’s 56-20 victory over Santa Monica last Friday at Chabola Stadium. “I tried it, and I enjoyed it.”

He enjoys kicking because he is learning under longtime Culver City assistant coach and former Centaur quarterback star Greg Goodyear.

“Coach Goodyear is a great coach, a very good mentor and a very good man,” said Barrillo.  “He has been helpful all of the way. Because of him, I am successful.”

Culver City has a high-powered offense that scores a lot of points and that keeps Barrillo’s leg in constant motion.

“When my leg gets tired I just push through and do the best I can,” said Barrillo.  “Coach Goodyear and I try to work on my technique.  When I am not kicking, I work with weights.”

Barrillo thinks the Centaurs are a special team.  “We have a lot of potential,” he said. “I think we can win the CIF championship. I believe in this team. We have great players.  We get along with each other and we have great teamwork.  This team has a great future.”

Some people think the future is now because the Centaurs have been placed in Division 11, which gives them a better opportunity to go deep into the playoffs.

Culver City is 6-3 overall and in a three- way tied for first place in the Ocean League with Lawndale and El Segundo. All have 3-1 league records going into the final regular season games.  All three teams should win.

The Centaurs have the best chance. On Friday evening at 7, they play at 0-9 Beverly Hills.

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