Centaurs Football Ready for Kickoff

The mission is clear for the Culver City High varsity football team this season: reclaim the Ocean League title.

That quest begins Friday when the Centaurs host West Torrance at 7 p.m. and although it is only a nonleague contest, they want to make a bold opening statement.

On offense, that starts with the quarterback and with a bevy of skilled receivers to throw to, senior Lukas O'Connor figures to put up gaudy stats. Senior wideouts include Alex Jackson, Reggie House, Julius Wilson, Michael Horchin and Jimmy Haywood.

O'Connor completed 15 of 27 passes for 96 yards and two scores in the Centaurs' 28-14 victory over West last season.

Kevin Porche is back to run the Wildcat offense after rushing for 336 yards and four touchdowns and throwing for 476 yards and six scores last year.

"We teach confidence in stepping on the field, knowing that you're going to win and you're going to execute your plays," quarterbacks coach Reggie Haynes said. "As far the Wildcat offense, hopefully we don't have to go to it as much. If we can put points on the board with our regular offense, our four receiver sets, but if need be we'll put [Wildcat quarterback] Kevin Porche back there."

The offensive line will need to protect O'Connor.

"We have a lot of good juniors back—not starters—but very smart players who have a good feel for the game and for our system," offensive line coach Randy Hardy said. "We have a really good chance this year, we have a lot of talent, a lot of guys who know each other and that will take us a long way."

As far as the defense, it's all about attitude. Linebackers coach Tom Crump emphasizes three things: mobility, agility and hostility.

"I'm excited, this is one of those special classes," Crump said of the Centaurs' linebacking corps. "If they play to their capabilities I think we'll have a very special season. I'm not really surprised because we knew Khalil Pettway was going to stand out. Keiyshawn Hailey played some significant minutes against Chaminade in the playoffs last year. Ronald Jones, our Centaur (weak outside linebacker), is one of the best playmakers on the team."

In the secondary, Culver City will have four seniors and one returning starter on the corner and two others cornerbacks who got extensive playing time, and with two senior safeties the Centaurs are very experienced. Tackling was down last year, but coaches placed an emphasis on that weakness throughout summer practice.

An all-too-often overlooked aspect of the game is special teams, and the Centaurs have one of the strongest placekickers in the Southern Section in senior Ret Tilman, who booted a school-record 53-yard field goal to end the first half against archrival Beverly Hills last year.

Inglewood went undefeated in league last fall while Culver City shared second place with Beverly Hills and Santa Monica. The Centaurs want the title all to themselves this season.

Friday's game is scheduled to kick off at 7 p.m. at Culver City High.