The Culver City varsity football team is imbedded in a four-way tie for first place in the Ocean league. Culver City, El Segundo, Lawndale and Hawthorne are 2-1 but that picture will change after the games on Friday night. The Centaurs will host Santa Monica at 7 p.m. on Senior Night inside the Jerry Chabola Stadium.
Culver City is 5-3 overall and ranked No. 2 in CIF Division 11. Santa Monica is 4-4 and 1-2 in the Ocean league. “Santa Monica is an improved ball club from last year,” said Culver City head coach Jahmal Wright after their 62-35 win over Hawthorne at Hawthorne last Friday night. “They have a very good full back and linebacker, their quarterback is very active and they play with a lot of spirit and heart. We look forward to the challenge.”
When it comes down to challenges, Centaur quarterback Jonathan Martin answers the bell when his number is called. He has thrown for 2,176 yards and 25 touchdowns in eight games and the junior continues to stay humble. “I feel like our whole team is executing and we are playing well together right now,” said Martin after he completed 16 out of 22 passes for 201 yards and four touchdowns against Hawthorne. Martin also ran for a touchdown. “We have balanced attack. We can run the ball which opens up the passing game and we have great receivers.”
Martin added, “We need to take care of our business and see what happens. We can make a deep run in the playoffs if we play together. I feel like if it comes down to close games we can win. I always try to focus on the big picture and I try to correct my mistakes.”
Another humble Culver City player who is trying to stay at the top of his game is all-purpose star Charles Ross. Ross plays offense, defense and special teams. On defense against Hawthorne he intercepted two passes. “It felt good to get those interceptions,” said Ross last week. “I got injured last week so the coaches did not want me to get the ball that much on offense so I had to make up for it on defense. I just want to win the league championship and that starts with beating Santa Monica next week.”