Barely 5’8” and 150 lbs., defender Siaee Shaw makes big plays for the Culver City High School varsity football team, which last week won the Consolation Championship of the Claremont Passing League Tournament by upending Alhambra, 22-8.
He seems to always be around the ball, testing fleeing quarterbacks and receivers and breaking up plays, according to Centaur assistant coach Greg Goodyear.
“Siaee is a small guy, but he’s always making plays. He has a big heart,” said Goodyear.
Xan Cuevas, a transfer from Mira Costa High School, threw touchdown passes to Julius Wilson (2), and Mark Conley in the championship game win. Akili Skannal and linebacker Winner Watts had interceptions for Culver City.
“Winner is a real hitter. He makes monster tackles,” said Goodyear of the 6’1”, 220 lb. transfer from Leuzinger High School.
Shaw intercepted two Ontario passes in Culver City’s 40-12 semifinal victory.
Brandon Hasson (2), Harrison Wette (2), Justin Montgomery, and Wilson caught scoring passes from Cuevas.
Stanley Norman made an interception and sophomore Donovan Davis pulled down a touchdown toss in Culver’s 12-8 loss to Lucerna of Whittier, which dropped the Centaurs into the consolation bracket.
The Centaurs opened the Claremont Tournament with a loss to Bishop Amat, 24-18, in pool play.
Wide receiver Julius Wilson, who has rejected college offers by Michigan, Tennessee, LSU and Illinois to stay closer to home, had a good game, according to Goodyear.
“Julius has numerous Pac 12 offers to consider, though he has an interest in Ohio St.,” said Goodyear.
Culver blanked Northwood of Irvine, 12-0, in the next round with touchdown catches by Montgomery and Wilson.
The Centaurs went on to beat So. Torrance, 22-2. Miriel Paschel, Hasson and Wilson had touchdown catches. Shaw had an interception.
“Overall, the defense played really well. Our offensive had ups and downs, but held its own,” said Centaur head coach Jahmal White.
“When we do well in tournaments, we do well in the regular season,” said Goodyear.