[img]2203|right|Steve Finley||no_popup[/img]Despite a 1-4 preseason, suspensions of seven players for two games, key injuries, a multitude of mistakes and penalties, Culver City High School’s football team will have a chance to claim a share of first place in the Ocean League when they host Santa Monica at 7 o’clock Friday on Senior Night.
The Centaurs will bring in a 3-4 record, and Santa Monica is 4-3.
Those numbers are irrelevant, though, because both teams are 2-0 in league play. The Vikings are rated No. 114 in the state, the Centaurs 340th.
While Culver City was holding off a good Inglewood team, 16-7, last Friday, Santa Monica was walloping Beverly Hills, 75-0.
“Over the years, Inglewood has turned into a big rivalry,” said head coach Jahmal Wright. “They had beaten us three years in a row. This victory was special. It was a good team win after we had a great week of practice. We have been through a lot this season. Right now everybody is back, and we are coming together at the right time.”
The offense and defense have been inconsistent. However, in the last two games, the defense only has given up 14 points.
The return of star linebacker Remy Grundy is one reason the defense has turned around. Injured Sept. 27 against Paramount, he resumed playing two weeks later. Led by Grundy, the Centaur defense held speedy, powerful Inglewood to seven points.
“I felt like we came together as a team,” said Grundy. “It was a great win.”
“The defense played with confidence, and we made the right adjustments. That’s why we were able to make key stops. Everyone did a great job. The defense, offense, special teams, coaches, the fans, cheerleaders and the trainers.”
The Centaur trainers have become Grundy’s best friends this year. “We have outstanding trainers at Culver City,” said Grundy. “I did everything they asked me to do so I can finish my senior year on the field with my teammates.”
If Culver City expects to beat Santa Monica, the Centaurs must have better offensive production. An encouraging step in the Inglewood game was a long touchdown pass from running back Lonnie Walker II to Marcus Moore in the second quarter.
“That was a big play, but we still have to execute better if we want to beat Santa Monica,” said Aki Wilson, the offensive coordinator. “The offense is still struggling. If we play up to our potential, though, we can win.”
As with all teams, the Centaurs’ defensive and offensive lines only get noticed when mistakes are made.
If the same is true for kickers, junior Rico Melendez has been outstanding all season. He has played soccer all of his life. Performing at night in front of big crowds is new to him. Melendez has played soccer almost exclusively.
“This is only my second year of playing football,” he said. “l need to be more consistent. My coach tells me to practice the same way you play in the games.”
Greg Goodyear, longtime Culver City player and coach, is Melendez’s coach.
“He is a special player,” said Goodyear. “The best punter in Culver City history. He is very consistent, a great kid. And his father is a Culver City graduate.”
For the Melendezes, it is all in the family.
Mr. Finley may be contacted at sfinley50@aol.com
