Gondos Defense Gets Picky in 42-0 Win

The Venice High football team is rounding into form as the season progresses. On Friday night, the Gondos made their biggest statement yet, at the expense of visiting Hamilton. 

The Gondos' defense was opportunistic, not only shutting out Hamilton, but returning not one, not two, but three interceptions for touchdowns in a 42-0 rout.

“It was pretty impressive tonight to say the least. We just made some great plays, and we looked great,” Venice coach Angelo Gasca said. “We're getting better and it couldn’t come at a more perfect time.”

Venice dominated early, forcing a quick three-and-out and getting its offense the ball at midfield. The Gondos proceeded to march methodically down the field, and star wideout Gabe Marks capped the drive off with a 10-yard touchdown run, giving his team a 7-0 lead.

When the Gondos got the ball back, once again it was Marks who did the damage. Alexander Diamont hit Marks on a short slant, and the SMU-bound senior did the rest, galloping to the end zone for a 65-yard touchdown, his second of the game.

“We have weapons here," Gasca said. "Alex [Diamont] is playing better, Buddy Banks is doing well and, of course, Gabe [Marks]. Wow! I mean, he’s as explosive as anyone in the country playing high school football. He proved that today.”

In what would become a common sight, Venice's defense stopped Hamilton once again and the Gondos offense scored again. This time, it was Deontay (Buddy) Banks who went 43 yards for a touchdown, giving Venice a 21-0 lead.

Hamilton showed signs of life, driving into the red zone towards the end of the first half. However, top cornerback Jayshawn Lowe picked off a pass at the 10 and, after breaking a tackle, returned it 90 yards for a touchdown that put the game out of reach.

“When the pass came to me, all I was thinking was 'Don’t drop it. Don’t drop it,'" Lowe said. "After I got it, I just wanted to score. It felt great.”

At the start of the second half, Venice made its first mistake of the game, fumbling a toss and giving Hamilton the ball in the red zone again. But again Lowe elevated for an interception. And just like the first one, he took it back all the way, this time 96 yards.

“Jayshawn was incredible today," Gasca said. "He had like seven or eight interceptions last year, but he’s been struggling so far this year, dropping a lot of passes. He brought it tonight, though. He was incredible.”

In the fourth quarter, Gasca pulled the reins on the offense, calling mostly running plays. With about five minutes left in the game, Venice's defense struck one more time. This time, it was Jahret Hood who tipped a pass to himself at the line of scrimmage and raced 50 yards for the Gondos' third defensive touchdown.

Venice kept the Yankees off the scoreboard the rest of the way and the Gondos' 31st consecutive league win evened their record at 4-4 and moved them into sole possession of first place in the Western League. After Fairfax's 34-6 victory over Palisades the night before, Venice is the only team in the league without a loss.

“This was a big win," Gasca said. "We're in playoff mode right now. We control our own destiny, and we can’t afford to lose a game. Next week will be exciting because it’s our homecoming. It should be a great game.”

Venice's homecoming game is next Friday against University. The following week the Gondos travel to Palisades for their league finale.