It took a few months, but sophomore Jonathan Martin has won the quarterback battle with Bryce Lewis-Wolfe for Friday night when Culver City High School kicks off their season against West Torrance at the Jerry Chabola Field on campus.

Martin quarterbacked the freshman team last year and Lewis-Wolfe, a junior, led the JV team

“As the starter I will do whatever it takes to win each game,” said Martin after practice on yesterday.  “I am excited about the season.”

He took the freshman team to a 9-1 record.

Senior receiver/defensive back Mason Mulvihill, who also plays baseball, is optimistic.  “We look a lot better than we did last year,” he said.  “A lot of new additions and many will be playing both ways.”

After the Centaurs lost eight of 10 last year, Mulvihill said his teammates are carrying a renewed pride into the new season.  “Some people don’t have faith in us,” he said. “We  hope to prove them wrong.”

Proving people wrong will starts with the offensive and defensive lines.  If the offensive linemen can protect the quarterback and the defensive line can stop the run, the Centaurs will be competitive.  “We will be relying on our senior lineman Kyle McKiniss and Richard Yoshida to anchor the offensive and defensive lines,” said Coach Jahmal Wright.

“I like the way we look right now,” said speedy senior running back Cahlil Hooper. .“But we need to execute better.

“We are young and still learning.  The team is fast, and I think we will be able to score more than last year.”

This is the sixth year in row that the Centaurs play West Torrance in the opener. Culver City won the first two games, but West has won the last three.

“We hope to start off with a victory.” said Coach Wright.  “I am looking for our offense to get back on track and score. Defensively, we need to match up against their no-huddle offense and to make tackles in space.”

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