With additional reporting by George Laase. 

When the Culver City High School football team lines up against their first opponent in September, they will rely on several key sophomores and juniors to try to improve on a 2-8 season in 2014.

Top priority will be better results at quarterback.  If the summer passing leagues are a reliable indicator, the Centaurs are on the right track.

Sophomore Jonathan Martin and junior Bryce Lewis-Wolfe are fighting to be the starting quarterback and junior Justin Cox looks like the real deal at wide receiver and defensive back.

“We have a tremendous battle at quarterback,” said Coach Jahmal Wright after Monday’s seven-on-seven games against Hawthorne and Westchester.

Overall, Wright is happy with the progress.

“This is a hard working blue collar team,” said Wright.  “We are still improving and we are young. But we are coming together as a unit.”

Wright projected that the Centaurs will only start five seniors.  “I am excited,” he said.

Experience is important, and that is why Wright will turn to senior players, Louis Schulze, Mason Mulvihill, Cahlil Hooper, Deven Osborne and Richard Yoshida for leadership.

Martin, who threw 29 touchdown passes as quarterback for the freshman team, might have an edge because of his size.

“We did a good job today,” said Martin. “I can pass and run. I need to improve on my footwork and mechanics.  I need to make my reads faster, too.”

Cox, who also made a strong showing, likes the feel of this team.  “I love this team,” said Cox. “We are connected a lot better than last year.”

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

Mr. Laase may be contacted at  GMLaase@aol.com