Demonstrating his improving command of the offense, Centaur quarterback Lukas O’Connor led the team to a 42-7 victory over the Centaurs last Friday afternoon at Palos Verdes Peninsula. He shredded the Panther secondary throwing for over 400 yards and five touchdowns with no interceptions.
Culver City plays Redondo High School to begin a four-game homestand Friday at 7 p.m. Over the course of the following three Fridays, the Centaurs will play visiting Lezuinger, Narbonne and play a homecoming game against Morningside.
“Coaches are very high on this deep senior class but when you have a new season, you just never know what’s going to happen,” said assistant coach Greg Goodyear.
The Centaurs are loaded on the defensive side of the ball but injuries have affected their depth.
“Overall, it’s one of the better defenses that Culver City has had in the last couple of seasons. We have a lot a team speed and experience in the front seven that will help us overall,” said Centaur head coach Jahmal Wright, a 1995 Culver City High graduate.
Yamen Sanders is the “quarterback of the secondary. He’s definitely a [Division I] talent, with a professional pedigree,” said Wright, noting that Sanders’ father played 10 years of professional basketball. At 6 feet 4 inches and 190 pounds, Sanders possesses speed, athleticism and leaping ability, and will be a strong cog in the secondary.
Playing strong safety is Robert Moore, who, according to Wright, is very aggressive, fearless and the hardest hitter in the secondary. He will roam free and make plays, said Goodyear.
Coach Wright stated that the corner position is a “three-headed monster.” In the last couple of years, Anthony Luckett and Miles Washington have improved immensely and Malik Deckard is in the competition and is a three-sport athlete whose grandfather was one of the fastest track stars in the world (Willie Deckard, USC.)
Seniors Ryan Jackson and Reggie House are more than capable of going in and helping the team, said Goodyear. Sean Floyd, a junior, will also give the secondary depth.
Typically, Culver City has had a strong linebacking crew and this year should be no exception. The linebackers are led by three-year starter and SMU-commit Khalil Pettway, a fast and hard-hitting middle linebacker. He also has offers from North Carolina State and West Virginia. Although he was out for several games late last season, he should be a dominant force in the middle of the defense.
At weakside inside linebacker is a two-headed monster in the form of junior Keishawn Haley and junior Akili Skannal. Both are hungry and ready to contribute to the defense, and both are hard hitters who are expected to play in college. The backup is junior Travis Hudson, son of Rick Hudson (CCHS class of 1968), the freshman defensive line coach. He is expected to add quality depth.
According to Goodyear, one of the biggest concerns coming into the season was the improvement of O’Connor. The quarterback has improved his mechanics to the point where the coaches feel confident in his ability to deliver the football to his many weapons at receiver and running back. This was evidenced by the Centaurs’ outstanding performance in many of their summer passing tournaments and last week’s convincing win at Peninsula, Goodyear noted.
The Centaurs have seven Division I-A players being recruited and several others who may be recruited if they have great seasons. Wide receiver Alex Jackson has five Pac-12 offers and 10 overall. Linebacker Pettway and slot receiver House are looking at three offers.
Safety Sanders, slot receiver Kevin Porche, kicker Ret Tilman and cornerback Luckett also are being recruited.
Team parents and players will host a fundraiser for the team on Monday evening from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Shakey’s Pizza, 5604 Sepulveda Blvd., Culver City. Proceeds support the Centaur football program.
