Capturing four consecutive Ocean League titles before Inglewood ended its run last year, the Culver City High School football team (1-0, 5-1) began its quest to reclaim the championship last Friday night with a 41-6 win over visiting Morningside at Culver City’s homecoming game.
The Centaurs go on the road for the first time in five weeks and play at Inglewood High School (0-1 in league, 1-5 overall), Friday at 7 p.m.
The Sentinels lost to league-favorite Santa Monica in their league opener.
“Inglewood lost to a good team last week. The Sentinels are quick and we cannot take them lightly,” said assistant coach Greg Goodyear.
The Centaur defense shut down the Monarchs in the first half before a large crowd and cruised the rest of the way. Morningside was limited to 50 yards of total offense and had only three plays of 10 yards or more.
Culver City’s defensive front seven stymied the Monarchs’ run game, while the secondary allowed only three completions.
Senior linebacker Khalil Pettway contributed on several tackles and was involved in a sack and blocked field goal attempt. Junior linebacker Keishawn Haley participated in multiple tackles.
Senior defensive linemen Jonathan Jackson, Anthony Tucker and Jay Ward, and junior Deon Young continually put pressure on Morningside and forced several three-and-outs and helped create two turnovers.
The senior-laden secondary of Anthony Luckett, Malik Deckard, Robert Moore, Ronald Jones, Miles Washington and Yamen Sanders provided excellent coverage on receivers and valuable assistance on tackles.
Struggling on offense, Culver City managed to score on all four of its first quarter possessions. On the opening series, senior kicker Ret Tilman provided the game’s first points with a 42-yard field goal. Following a Monarch punt, leading rusher Akili Skannal found a seam, received great blocking and went 62 yards for a touchdown.
Senior quarterback Lukas O’Connor provided the next two scores for the Centaurs. He found senior receiver Alex Jackson on a 17-yard touchdown pass and then connected with Jones for a 15-yard score after an interception by Jones.
Morningside attempted to get on the board midway through the second quarter. Senior Donnell Sanford broke through the Centaur offensive line and blocked a 47-yard field goal attempt by Tilman.
Junior Travon Agee picked up the loose football and went 33 yards to the Culver City 25-yard line. The Monarch offense was unable to move the football and settled for a 45-yard field goal attempt. However, the Centaurs broke through and Pettway and Deckard blocked the kick. Ward came up with the ball and rambled downfield to the Morningside one-yard line.
Senior Kevin Porche hooked up with senior Derrius Morrow one play later for the touchdown.
Junior Julius Wilson got in on the action in the final minute of the half. After receiving a punt, he used his speed and agility to score a 55-yard touchdown, to give Culver City a 38-0 halftime advantage.
The Centaur defense continued its domination to start the second half. On the first play from scrimmage, it forced a Morningside fumble and recovered the ball at the Monarch 23-yard line. Tilman gave the Centaurs their final points as he converted a 33-yard field for a 41-0 lead. A few minutes later, he attempted a record-breaking 52-yarder that came up just short.
Many reserves gained valuable experience and played much of the second half. Junior quarterback Gary Graves ran the offense, while receivers Sydney Dorsey and Ben Matsushita and tailback Kavan Buggs made contributions.
The Monarchs avoided shutout when senior quarterback Greg Adams completed four of eight passes and scored on a three-yard run in the fourth quarter.