Culver City High School’s football team tasted victory for the first time last Friday night in the South Bay when they ran past Hawthorne 36-10. The Centaurs are 1-8 overall and 1-3 in the Ocean League and dancing on the football field.
On Friday night at 7, they play their last game when they travel to Beverly Hills.
It is an important game because a victory would put the Centaurs in fourth place. If they lose they will fall into last place tie with Beverly Hills (1-8, 0-4) and Hawthorne.
Hawthorne is 3-6 and 1-3. Their final game is against a good Lawndale team.
What a difference one win can make. Culver City players were dancing on the field after their win at Hawthorne. “I am proud of this team,” head coach Jahmal Wright said. “Everybody is still working hard. That is a testament to the character of this team.”
Peak of the Season
The Centaurs offensive line played their best game. They pushed back Hawthorne’s defense from the opening drive to the final drive. Guards Richard Yoshida and Diego Sandoval, tackles Fred Wadibia and Thomas Hernandez and center Danny Diaz dominated the game.
“The offensive line did a great job,” offensive coordinator Aki Wilson said. “Our starting center Alfredo Mendoza was hurt. So we brought up Diaz from the junior varsity team. He did not skip a beat. The line told me to keep running the ball. They opened up a lot of holes for the running backs.”
Culver City running backs, seniors Donovan Davis and Anthony Polk, juniors Fred Poindexter and Kahlil Hooper, gained more than 350 yards. Davis led the way with 122 yards, Polk had 114, Poindexter 64, and Hooper ran for 55 yards.
“It feels so great to get a win,’ Polk said. “I have been waiting for this feeling for a long time. The first thing I want to do is give praise to the offensive line. I give them all of the credit for great blocking tonight. It’s sad that the season and my career are coming to an end. I knew though that this would happen one day.”
Welcome at Anytime
Centaur assistant coach Jarvis Redwine, who works with the running backs, was also pleased. “A win is always a good thing especially when it’s the first one of season,” said Rewine. “The coaching staff did a good job scouting Hawthorne.”
Assistant coach, Cornell Myles said adversity builds character after the team started the season 0-8. “I feel good for the players,” said Myles. “They can go to school with their heads up high for the first time this year.
“Now we can close out the season with two victories and get ready for next year.
“Anything we can do that will help motivate the players, the coaching staff will be glad to do. This game was the sign of the times. We are at the end of the season. This is the last chance to make something positive out of the season. We have to lay it all on the line against Beverly Hills. If we end strong, we will start next year.
“The seniors will learn from this season. They will find out that in life you have to keep fighting to survive just like we did this season.”
Mr. Finley may be contacted at sfinley50@aol.com
