Mira Costa’s offense got on track and Redondo improved its record to 2-1 with a strong ground game as both teams look to add a victory when their demanding non-league schedules continue Friday with 7 p.m. contests.
In a battle of defending CIF champions, Mira Costa was defeated by Serra 35-13 in a hard-fought contest held at El Camino College. Mira Costa’s defense did its best to keep the Mustangs in the game, trailing only 7-0 at halftime. But Serra took control after going up 14-0 following a 90-yard pass play after a turnover deep in it own territory.
After being shutout by Loyola in it season opener, Mira Costa’s offense was able to find the end zone twice against the talented Serra squad. Making his first varsity start, quarterback Dennis Falcone completed 12-of-30 passes for 180 yards and two touchdowns.
Running back J.R. Tavai, who also recorded two sacks on defense, hauled in a 14-yard pass for a touchdown for Mira Costa’s first touchdown, and receiver Sam Stekol had five receptions for 83 yards and a 17-yard touchdown.
The Mustangs (0-2) seek their first win when they travel to take on Narbonne (1-1), a team that has reached the L.A. City finals the last two seasons. The Gauchos come off a heartbreaking 23-20 home loss to perennial powerhouse Long Beach Poly and look to avenge their 31-26 loss to the Mustangs a year ago.
Narbonne running back Noel Rankins (5-10, 185) carried the ball 21 times for 226 yards and two touchdowns, including an 80-yard score, against Long Beach Poly last week.
Sophomore quarterback Troy Williams (6-2, 180) utilizes receivers Kimani Malik (5-10, 180) and Antoine Anderson (6-4, 205).
Linebackers Darrian Watkins (5-11, 225) and Lavelle Peterway (5-10, 210) spearhead the Narbonne defense that returns all of its line, including All-City defensive end Taylor McDaniel (6-3, 230).
Redondo manhandles Millikan
Redondo (2-1) took advantage of its physical offensive line as the Sea Hawks’ ground game paved the way to a 28-7 road victory over Millikan.
The Sea Hawk defense held the Rams scoreless until the final quarter while
Ryan Spiwak led the Redondo rushing attack, gaining 116 yards on 17 carries and scoring two touchdowns. Deon Williams added 76 yards rushing on 12 carries and scored on a 30-yard touchdown reception.
Quarterback Nick Pope was 7-of-10 passing for 96 yards and two touchdowns, including a 31-yard strike to Hunter Bradshaw in the third quarter.
Redondo plays its first home game of the season Friday hosting four-time defending Ocean League champion Culver City (2-0) while looking to avenge its 35-33 loss to the Centaurs in 2009.
Culver City, ranked No. 5 in the Western Division, throttled visiting Peninsula 41-14 last week behind quarterback Jordan Arrington’s 224-yard passing performance. Arrington (6-2, 185) tossed a 16-yard touchdown pass to Alex Jackson (5-10, 175) and scampered for a five-yard touchdown run to close out the scoring in the fourth quarter.
The Centaur’s senior-laden offensive line features all-league selections center Leo Zambrano (6-0, 240) and guard Christian Deleon (6-1, 290) along with guard Sean Cogman (6-2, 265) and tackles Billy Sanchez (6-0, 235) and Michael Ordon (6-3, 250).
Strong in the secondary, Culver City’s defense returns eight starters including all-league defensive backs Chris Brown (5-9, 160) and Ijumaa Armstrong (5-10, 180). ER
