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Culver City senior wide receiver Lonnie Walker flies into end zone with a score against Beverly Hills. Photo, George Laase.
The second season for Culver City High School’s championship football team starts Friday night at 7:30 in the first round of the CIF Western Division playoffs against St. Francis of La Canada (8-2) at Chabola Stadium.
St. Francis plays in the tough Mission League that includes two of the top teams in the state. Serra and Chaminade handed the Golden Knights their only two losses during league play.
Culver City will have to play its best game of the season. The 6-4 Centaurs have the talent to upset St. Francis. The big question for the Centaurs will be:
Can they overcome the injuries they suffered in their 49-14 victory over Beverly Hills last Friday?
“I will talk to the trainers and coaches and evaluate the injury situation.” said coach Jahmal Wright. “We were just happy to get out of there with a win.”
To get past the first round, Culver City’s defensive standout Remy Grundy and offensive star Stanley Norman – both injured in the regular season finale –will be needed. “I hope to be ready,” said Grundy. “Everyone will need to play at a higher level.”
Coach Wright is convinced the Centaurs are prepared. “We are battled tested and ready,” he said. Being league champions for the first time since 2009 “means a lot. We ended the pre-season 1-4. Now we are 6-4. The players, the coaches and the trainers did a good job. I am really proud of them.”
Quarterback Armani Rogers was a bright spot for the Centaurs, recovering from injuries three weeks ago against Santa Monica. Backup quarterback David Handler was spectacular in victories over Morningside and Beverly Hills the last two weeks.
“Armani is ready to go,” said offensive coordinator Aki Wilson. “ You can’t take anything away from David. He did a great job. Now it’s time to put it all together.”
Culver City nearly scored a hundred points the last two Fridays, 47 against Morningside and 49 against Beverly Hills.
St. Francis, however, plays at a different level. Ranked 219th nationally, the Golden Knights are led by quarterback Ty Gangi, running backs Joe Mudie and Areg Nazarian and wide receivers Dylan Crawford and John Carroll. On defense, Ricky Urzua and Michael Webber are their leaders.
Culver City features its two-man quarterback rotation of Rogers and Handler, and running backs Donovan Davis, Anthony Polk, Norman and a much improved offensive line. At receiver, Culver City will rely on Marcus Moore, Brandon Hasson, Miles Jackson, Jericho Flowers and Norman.
Culver City’s defense is led by linebackers Jeremy Marrero, Ty’Jason Roberts, Anthony Polk and Grundy and defensive backs Todd Goodwin, Reynard Saxon and Norman.
On special teams, kick returners Flowers and Norman have done a strong job along with kicker/punter Nico Melendez.
Mr. Finley may be contacted at sfinley50@aol.com
