The Culver City football team will step right into the lion’s den Friday when they travel to West Torrance to face the No. 1 ranked team in the CIF Western Division. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. Next week does not get any easier as the Centaurs host the No.2 ranked team in the Western Division, Palos Verdes Peninsula at 7 p.m.
Last year Culver City was 1-4 in the pre-season and they went on to win the Ocean League Title and finished the season with a 6-5 record.
“Right now we need to focus on Culver City and not worry about the other teams,” Coach Jahmal Wright said. “Against West Torrance our main objective is to stop the run and create turnovers. If we do that we have a good chance to win the game.”
Stopping the run against the Warriors is a tall order with one of the best running backs in Southern California in Brett Ojiyi on the squad. Ojiyi ran for more than 170 yards against Culver City last year.
Culver City will counter with two of the best running backs in the Ocean League in Donovan Davis and Anthony Polk.
“We need to fight fire with fire and use our speed,” longtime assistant coach Greg Goodyear said. “We have the athletes and the coaching to compete with West Torrance.”
This season the Centaurs will introduce three new quarterbacks: juniors Xavier Ryan and Quintorius Truitt and senior Justin Steagall. All three should see playing time this year. As of Tuesday, Ryan looked like the starter but it would be no surprise to see Truitt and Steagall under center if Ryan falters against West.
The offensive line will be anchored by center Alfredo Mendoza, Richard Yoshida and Diego Sandoval. The new quarterbacks will be throwing the ball to Davis and Polk coming out of the backfield and receivers Justin Manyweather, Evan Tillman and Jason Grossman.
On defense Culver City will rely on all-league defensive lineman Fred Wadibia and defensive lineman Marcus Montgomery, linebacker Polk and defensive backs Davis and Jeremy Marrero. This season there will also be another new face on the field with the punting, extra points and field goal responsibilities being bestowed upon senior Anthony Caiseros.
“We know that West Torrance is a good team but if we play disciple, hard hitting football and take pride in doing a good job we will be alright,” Goodyear said.