Redondo celebrated its Homecoming game Friday night with a resounding 49-20 win over previously unbeaten Morningside, but realizes it has work to do before two brutal road games at Palos Verdes and Mira Costa conclude the regular season.
Ranked No. 2 in the CIF-Southern Section Western Division, Redondo (6-1, 2-0) jumped out to a 42-8 halftime lead but could only muster one third-quarter touchdown in the second half. Morningside (6-1, 1-1) entered the game ranked No. 8 in the Western Division.
“Even though Morningside was undefeated, we played them like it was any other game,” Redondo quarterback Jacob Silvera said. “Our coaches have a great game plan and we have talented athletes. We just need to keep the pedal on the gas for entire game.”
Silvera connected with Warren Jackson for a 39-yard touchdown on the fourth play of the game which was followed by a 50-yard touchdown run by Jermar Jefferson on Redondo’s next possession.
The Sea Hawks continued to pull away when Jerone Jackson scampered 37 yards for a touchdown before Silvera called his own number and scored on a 22-yard touchdown run.
Redondo’s team unity is showcased by its balance of running and passing, a tenacious defense and special teams, which scored a touchdown when Danny Zimmerman fell on a blocked punt in the end zone.
Redondo’s defense kept its 13-point per game average intact shutting out the Monarchs in the first half. Morningside’s lone score in the first half came on a 38-yard interception return by Aaron Berry.
“Our passing and running games open each other up and it’s good to know if one isn’t working, we have the other to rely on,” Silvera said. “But it all comes down to our offensive line which has protected me all season long.”
Jefferson was named Redondo’s Offensive Player of the Game leading the Sea Hawk running attack with 128 yards and one touchdown on 15 carries.
“We’ve been aiming for fast and effective game starts, so it was great to come out and score on the opening drive, then shut out their offense on the following series,” Redondo head coach Matt Ballard stated. “Overall, the offense had a decent running game and the defense played tough once again, with the majority of the yards given up on a few big plays; something we’ll need to eliminate.
“Although we achieved the ultimate goal of a win, the whole team agrees and feels there were way too many mental errors and mistakes that we must address and correct.”
Junior linebacker/defensive end Zach Boesen was selected Defensive Player of the Game and junior kicker/punter Trevor Bowens earned Special Teams Player of the Game honors. Sophomore running back/linebackers Sebastian Rodriguez was named Scout “Eager Beaver” Player of the Week.
Redondo will celebrate its Senior Night next Friday when the Sea Hawks host Peninsula in their final home game of the regular season.
It’s been a rough season for Peninsula (2-4, 0-2), who had only 22 players last Friday in its 54-13 loss at Mira Costa.
