Redondo head football coach Matt Ballard has wanted to get the ball into Warren Jackson’s hands more this season in order to utilize the receiver’s athleticism. He got his chance Friday night.
Jackson hauled in 11 passes for 211 yards and two touchdowns to lead Redondo (3-0) to a 25-14 non-league victory over visiting San Pedro Friday night.
With San Pedro (1-2) focused on stopping Redondo’s running game, Jackson faced single coverage for most of the game and the 6-foot-5 junior made the most of the situation, earning the Sea Hawk’s Offensive Player of the Game award..
Redondo rushed for only 49 yards but quarterback Jacob Silvera picked the Pirate defense apart, completing 17 of 24 passes for 300 yards and three touchdowns with no interceptions.
“It was nice to see the offense pick up the defense when they struggled, and vice-versa,” Redondo head coach Matt Ballard said. “The special teams did its part, including a nice call by Coach (Tim) Ammentorp on a much needed conversion on a fake punt. It was far from a perfect game, but our boys played tough and pulled out a win.”
Jackson’s first touchdown, a 43-yard reception, put Redondo on top 7-0 in the first quarter but San Pedro drove 68 yards on 11 plays to tie the score early in the second quarter.
Redondo quickly responded when Silvera connected with Jerone Jackson who raced 75 yards down the sideline for a touchdown.
Trevor Bowens’ 42-yard field goal with 12 seconds left gave the Sea Hawks a 17-7 halftime lead.
San Pedro closed the gap at 17-14 scoring on its first possession of the second half but Redondo’s defense, led by senior Cedric Muzik, shut down the Pirates for the remainder of the contest.
Muzik, Redondo’s Defensive Player of the Game, had four tackles for losses for the Sea Hawks who limited San Pedro’s physical ground game to 132 yards rushing.
Warren Jackson closed out the scoring with a 13-yard touchdown reception.
“We continue to focus on getting better as a team, not being satisfied and staying hungry,” Ballard said.
Senior Ryan Armalin was named Special Teams Player of the Game and Scout “Eager Beaver” Player of the Week honors went to junior fullback/linebacker Chase Watson.
Redondo entered the game ranked No. 2 in the CIF-SS Western Division and the win sets up a showdown with former Bay League nemesis West Torrance.
The Sea Hawks will make the quick trip down Del Amo Blvd. to face the Warriors Friday, Sept. 18 at 7 p.m.
West (2-0) routed host Inglewood 49-8 Friday after defeating Culver City 22-0 on the road in the season opener.
The Warriors are ranked No. 3 in the Western Division and are led by quarterback Drake Peabody, who passed for three touchdowns and ran for another against Inglewood. Cody Wissler (6-foot-2, 200 lbs.) is a formidable target for Peadbody.
West’s hurry-up offense features running backs Brylen Baucham, Michael Timmerman and junior Alex Gin.
Luis Aguiar (6-3, 260) anchors the offensive and defensive lines while John Girardini leads the linebacking corps.
