In the midst of grueling non-league football schedules, Mira Costa and Redondo face their toughest tests Friday when the Mustangs host Chaminade, the Western Division’s second-ranked team and the Sea Hawks travel to take on undefeated Orange Lutheran.
While Mira Costa utilized its bye week in preparation for Chaminade, Redondo (1-3) suffered a 40-23 loss at Culver City (3-0) despite playing the Centaurs even for three quarters.
Hunter Bradshaw gave Redondo the lead with a 25-yard field goal in the first quarter and again with a 36-yard pass reception for a touchdown in the second frame but the athletic Culver City team answered with two touchdowns before Davion Goodall scored on a 51-yard pass play to keep the Sea Hawks in the game.
Down 23-17 at the half, Redondo’s Steven Vaughn tied the game with a 17-yard reception for a touchdown for the only scoring in the third quarter.
The final quarter was all Culver City as the Centaurs scored 17 unanswered points to pull away from the Sea Hawks.
Redondo did show signs of promise as quarterback Harrison Feacher completed 15 of 25 passes for 238 yards and three touchdowns while running back Deon Williams rushed for 132 yards on 20 carries.
Friday’s match up with Orange Lutheran will be played at Orange Coast College at 7:30 p.m. and will be another challenge for Redondo. Orange Lutheran is an experienced team with speed and quickness that returns eight offensive and seven defense starters.
The Lancers are coming off a 30-24 overtime victory over La Habra and are led by quarterback Conner Sullivan (6-0, 185) whose offense includes running backs Graeme Fraser (5-10, 195) and Jabari Wilson (5-11, 200), wide receiver Robert Cooper (5-9, 165) and tight end Christo Kourtzidis (6-4, 230).
Orange Lutheran has a formidable offensive line that features guards John Lopez (6-5, 325) and Colin Sutton (6-5, 290), tackles Jack McBride (6-3, 255) and Jordan Briggs (6-3, 240) and center Cody Littlefield (5-11, 250).
Secondary standouts Willie Fletcher (6-2, 185) and Darien Washington (5-11, 175) join linebacker Grant Gunnison (6-1, 220) in leading the Lancer defensive unit.
Mira Costa (1-2) looks to avenge last year’s 29-10 loss to Chaminade but the Eagles will be fired up after their 278-14 loss to Alemany dropped them into the second slot of the Western Division rankings.
Chaminade has 16 starters returning, including standout running back Terrell Newby (5-10, 185). Newby rushed for 279 yards and five touchdowns in the Eagles’ season-opening win over Venice.
Quarterback Logan Scott (6-2, 195) is a dual threat who takes full advantage of an offensive line that returns all of its starters from last season. Led by Taylor Hindy (6-4, 300), the line averages 262 pounds and includes Andrew Chen (6-4, 260), Phillip Herrera (6-1, 270), Jerry Rodriguez (6-2, 226) and Eli Sibrian (5-10, 260).
Tight ends Brenden McKinney (6-4, 210) and Cole Milkovich (6-2, 210) join wide receiver Elijah Dunston (6-1, 180) in providing ample targets for Scott.
Free safety Jacob Bowman (6-1, 200) leads an athletic defensive squad.
Mira Costa is led by running back Stephen Giovati, who has rushed for 247 yards and two touchdowns on 55 carries. Raphael Lawson-Gayle (six receptions for 59 yards) is the leading target for quarterback Alex Cuevas, who is 17-of-41 passing including two touchdowns.
