New Players Boost Centaurs' Football Hopes

Part 1 of 2

By Greg Goodyear

Special to the Observer

Last year Culver City High School football was the Ocean League champs when they beat Santa Monica in overtime and went 5-0 in league play.

This was their first league championship since 2009, but they were frustratingly close in 2010, 11, and 12.

The Centaurs have a good nucleus of returning starters on both offense and defense, but several of their top players transferred to other schools. Although this will make it tougher the coaches feel that they will have as good a chance as any team in the league to repeat as league champions.

Early indications from two-a-days, summer passing leagues, and spring ball indicate the strength of the Centaurs should be in their defensive line, offensive line, and running game.

Offensive Preview:

"As with any football team, their success is contingent and is determined by the offensive line. We are very confident in the group that we have this year," stated head coach Jahmal Wright.

The line is led by senior center and two-year starter Alfredo Mendoza, a second team All-League center. He started every game last season and had a very good offseason training his body.

"We're depending on Al for leadership to help anchor the offensive line. He is very smart and very strong," replied Wright. The left guard will be Richard Yoshida (5'-9", 265 Junior). Richard gained valuable experience starting as a 10th grader last year. He is an intelligent, explosive player who runs well, and we're looking forward for him to have a breakout season."

"Right guard will be Diego Sandoval (5'-11", 250 Senior). Diego is a tough, hardworking, senior who has paid his dues and is excited about being a starter on the offensive line. He gained valuable experience last season filling in as a starter when one of our seniors went down."

"Right tackle is Landon Chandler (6'-3", 245). He had a great off-season and is motivated to have a significant role as an offensive tackle, his strength and conditioning has improved dramatically and should give us a strong push up front in our running game."

"Left tackle is Kyle McKinnis (6'-2", 240 Junior). He will be competing for the left tackle spot. He was the best JV OL and brings athleticism and speed to the position, which is important to protect the blind side of the quarterback.

The others who should see some time on the offensive line are sophomores: Thomas Hernandez, Sebastian Knowles and Cameron Williams."

Running Backs:

"Culver is fortunate to have a talented and deep group of runners who we will lean on this year more than any other year to provide big plays in our offense. Donovan Davis at (5'-9", 175 lb. Senior) is a speedster who has great side-to-side lateral mobility. He was a second team All-League selection and is getting Division I attention.

Donovan is an explosive "home-run" hitter who we are depending on for big production this year."

"Big back Anthony Polk (5'-9", 210 Senior) is a combo back that can lower his shoulder and run over people. Coach Wright, "Anthony has a unique blend of versatility and power who we plan to use all of his assets to benefit our offense."

The other backs who will see time on offense will be Junior Fred Poindexter, Junior Willie Williams-nephew of Charles Jefferson ('09) and fullback Simon Valenzuela, Sr.

Receivers:

One of the star athletes of the Centaurs is Raynard Saxon (6'-2", 185 lb. Sr.) who made many plays this summer has an expanded role and has embraced it.

"We are very excited about the potential year that he can have. He has worked hard and has stepped up into a leadership role," replied Coach Wright.

Saxon should be one of the better players in Southern California and has many Division I teams desiring his services.

The other starting receiver will be Justin Manyweather (5'-9", 160 lb. Jr.); he is an explosive wide receiver who is coming off a productive JV season. He saw important playoff time on the varsity last season.

"Justin adds a big play element to our offense that we will need to have to win games this season," said Wright.

"The slot receivers will be Senior Jason Grossman (5'-9" 155 lbs.) who is a solid, hard-worker who has improved tremendously this summer. He is a very good route runner with improved speed. The other slot will be Evan Tillman (5'-8", 150 lb. Sr.) whose brother played for us a few years ago. He brings the element of great hands, good routes, and speed to the offense.

Others who will receive time at receiver are Senior Daniel Butler and Juniors Nile Probherbs, Reynato Juarez, and John Campos."

"Last but not least is the all-important Quarterback position, which is extremely important in a no huddle offense. This will be the first time in five years that we will not have a senior starter at quarterback.

There are two untested junior quarterbacks who are vying for the starting position, Xavier Ryan and Quintorius Truitt."

"Xavier started on the freshmen team, and last year when he was hurt, Quintorius started the rest of the year, so they have about the same amount of football experience in high school. They both have worked hard this summer and competed all summer during passing league contests. They bring a good attitude and a good work ethic to the offense. Both are battling it out during the fall campaign to see who will be the decided starter."