The Culver City High School varsity passing league football tournament started at 9 a.m. last Saturday with 14 very competitive schools varying for the championship.
When it was all over Saturday afternoon North Torrance walked away with the championship trophy after they beat Culver City five touchdowns to four. Passing tournaments feature quarterbacks, receivers, defensive backs and linebackers.
The tournament, which started on Friday featuring freshmen and junior varsity teams showcased schools from the CIF Southern Section and the Los Angeles City Section. “It was a good event,” said CCHS head football coach Jahmal Wright after his team was beaten by North. “It was a positive experience.”
The Centaurs were trying to win their third passing tournament this summer after capturing the titles in the El Rancho and Redondo tournaments. “Ironically, we beat North Torrance in the Culver City tournament for the championship last year, so I guess it was their turn this year.”
The Centaurs have two very good quarterbacks for the first time in several years and both of the signal callers are left-handed. The past few years the backup quarterbacks have not been very good. Senior Seth Shigg and sophomore Nicholas Hoang showed they both can lead the team in the fall.
“I am very pleased with both quarterbacks,” said Wright. “They are competitively competing. They both have ownership of the offense and I feel confident with both quarterbacks right now.”
Culver City varsity football is known for having speedy receivers and this season they appear to be as good as ever.
“Our receiving core is not just one guy,” said Wright. “It’s pretty cool to have a lot of very good receivers on the team. All of them have their moments and they encourage each other.”
Mark Forte, William Forte, Justin Hoang, Myles Singleton, Braylon Singleton and Harly Moore displayed the ability to catch short and long passes last Saturday. All the receivers made outstanding plays last Saturday, but Moore was spectacular.
“Harley was definitely a bright spot,” said Wright about the junior receiver. “He has really been working hard. He has so much talent and we are excited that he will have a breakout year.”
Moore started playing football his freshman year and now he appears to be ready to take a leadership role.
“Playing football comes naturally,” said Moore last Saturday. “I love Culver City football and I like both of our quarterbacks and we have the best receivers in the league.”
Senior quarterback may have the edge right now because he is a dual threat to run or pass because also runs track, but Hoang is keeping the competition very close. “I love playing for Culver City and the guys and coaches have been very good to me,” said Shigg. “Coach Wright is really helping me, and I love the receivers.”
According to Wright the defense was led by the play of linebacker Jordan Njoku and defensive back Myles Singleton. “Right now, I am really impressed with Jordan,” said Wright. “He is really doing a great job on defense and so is Myles.”
The Centaurs will finish their summer workouts this week and take some time off before they return to campus to get ready for the home opener against San Jacinto on Friday, Aug. 30, at 7 p.m.