Culver City and Redondo high schools have battled in tightly contested matches the last several years with the outcomes in doubt until the late stages of the games. Last Friday night was no exception, as neither squad could maintain a lead until the host Centaurs scored 17 unanswered points in the final four minutes to come away with a hard fought 40-23 victory.
Both offenses came out strong and the teams made the most of their opportunities, scoring on every possession of the first half.
Led by sophomore quarterback Harrison Faecher, Redondo took the opening kickoff on a sustained drive. The Seahawks ate up nearly eight minutes before being stopped on the Centaurs’ eight-yard line. Senior receiver and place kicker Hunter Bradshaw converted a 25-yard field goal to give Redondo an early 3-0 advantage.
Culver City wasted little time in erasing the deficit as senior quarterback Lukas O’Connor, who threw for almost 200 yards in the first half, hooked up with junior receiver Julius Wilson on a crossing pattern. Wilson made the reception and picked up key blocks from his offensive line as he ran 78 yards for the touchdown. Senior placekicker Ret Tilman, who was perfect for the third game in a row, provided the extra point and a 7-3 lead.
The Seahawks responded and took advantage of a possibly tired Culver City defense as they went down the field for another long drive. Taking close to six minutes of possession time, Faecher connected with Bradshaw on a 36-yard touchdown pass to give the lead, 10-7, back to Redondo.
The Centaurs gave their defense a rest as the offense slowed its pace and drove methodically down the field using just more than five minutes before junior tailback Akili Skannal scored on a five-yard run for the first six points of a 13-point scoring streak. Skannal nearly went into the end zone moments earlier as he broke three tackles en route to a 41-yard run.
The Centaurs were able to fool Redondo on the ensuing kickoff when senior Ronald Jones recovered a short kick at the Seahawks’ 32-yard line. Less than a minute later, senior Kevin Porche stretched out to make an outstanding reception on a 14-yard touchdown pass and extend Culver City’s lead to 20-10.
Redondo came back with a touchdown in the late stages of the second quarter. Faecher, who threw for nearly 150 yards in the first half, threw a deep pass along the eastern sideline. Senior receiver Davion Goodall was able to get by the Centaur defensive secondary to make the grab for a 51-yard score with just over a minute remaining.
Culver City took advantage with the limited time and quickly drove down the field. Tilman converted a 32-yard field goal as time expired to give the Centaurs a 23-17 lead entering halftime.
Defense controlled the second half as Redondo provided the only score in the first 20 minutes. After forcing a Centaur punt, the Seahawks scored on their opening possession of the third quarter. Faecher hooked up with senior tight end Steven Vaughan on a 17-yard touchdown pass. A bad snap on the extra point was fumbled and the game was tied 23-23.
Culver City broke the deadlock with just under four minutes remaining as O’Connor connected with Porche for the second time on an 11-yard touchdown pass. Following a change of possession on downs, the Centaurs were looking to run down the clock while deep in Redondo territory. Tilman kicked a 30-yard field goal to extend the lead to 33-23 with less than two minutes left. Senior Ronald Jones put the game out of reach moments later with a 31-yard interception return for the final Culver City touchdown.
The Centaur defense was led by junior lineman Deon Young. He was involved in eight tackles and two sacks. Senior linebackers Khalil Pettway and Derrius Morrow contributed to several tackles while senior defensive backs Miles Washington and Anthony Luckett kept would-be Seahawks receivers in check.
Centaur coaches were satisfied with the victory but feel there are still areas to work on as the season progresses. Although Culver City is undefeated, its opposition will get stronger and tougher. Culver City (3-0) will host another Bay League contender, Leuzinger, Friday at 7 p.m. in the second of a four-game home stand. Following Leuzinger, the Centaurs host city power Narbonne before beginning Ocean League competition.