Despite the graduation of numerous seniors from the 2011 CIF conference finalist squad, Culver City High School could make another magical run into the playoffs behind a powerful offensive line.
Culver City visits Bay League favorite West Torrance, Friday, 7:30 p.m. Culver City played in a scrimmage game against Fairfax, last week.
“I’m excited about this unit as a whole because of strong senior leadership and the talent and experience level that the offensive line possesses,” said Centaur head coach Jahmal Wright.
Starting right tackle is Orion Radtke (Sr. 6’3” 255).
“Radtke brings a lot of experience to the offensive line,” said Wright.
Right guard will be Kevin Melendez, (Sr. 5’10” 240).
“After an impressive junior year, Kevin worked hard and will be a two-way starter,” said Wright.
The center position will be manned by two-year starter Mark Ordon (Sr. 6’0” 215).
“Because of his 14 starts he is the anchor of the offensive line that could be a dominant group this year,” said Wright of the senior captain.
Valentin Caiseres (Sr. 6’1” 280) is left guard.
“After a solid junior year, he has worked hard in the weight room and should have a breakout season,” said Wright.
The left tackle will be rookie Jered Maxberry, a 6’4” 305 junior. Vying for one of the guard spots will be senior Kanan Saito along with Ryan Assanlo, (Jr. 6’3” 240), Anthony Agustin (Jr. 5’9” 200), Marco Cardenas (Jr. 6’1” 275), and Danny Mora (Jr. 6’0” 250).
Returning starting running back Akili Skannal (Sr. 5’9” 210) is an 11.1 100m sprinter who has attracted interest from Division 1-A and 1-AA colleges. The Centaur team captain will be the best running back in the Ocean League, according to Wright.
The other two running backs will be sophomore Donavan Davis and junior Tyler Haye.
“Donovan is explosive and fast and a newcomer that we are going to be accustomed to watching him run well for the next three seasons,” said Wright.
Haye will add quality depth to a talented group.
Mira Costa transfer Xan Cuevas. (6’1” 200) has adapted well to the Centaur offense.
“He’s a talented intelligent senior quarterback who is a good leader, has a strong arm, and is a perfect fit for our offense.” He is also a good runner, according to Wright.
Backing up Cuevas will be sophomore Steve Funches (6’3” 175) and junior David Handler (6’4” 230), who throws well as a transfer from Palisades High School.
Senior punt and kick returner and big time receiver Julius Wilson (6’1” 185) is the Centaur weapon. One of the top wide receivers in California, Wilson has earned numerous Pac-12 and offers from other Division I conferences. He has declined University of Michigan, Tennessee, LSU, and Illinois, among others.
“I’m excited about what Julius Wilson can do in our offense—Watch out!” said Wright.
The Centaurs, a wild card entrant in the playoffs, tired in the fourth quarter of the championship game against Arroyo Grande in its first conference final in 33 years.