Centaurs win thriller against Mira Costa, battle Redondo Friday night

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The ball was suspended in time. The boisterous crowd fell quiet. Mira Costa's last second field goal was short and that's when the players, coaches and the crowd went wild. It was Friday night lights at its best. At least for Culver City. The final score read, Culver City Centaurs 14, the Mira Costa Mustangs 13, at Culver City last Friday night in a Bay league opening game for both teams. It was a perfect ending to a homecoming night.

"Tonight reminded me of the 1999 game against Mira Costa at Mira Costa when we beat them 22-21," said Culver City assistant football coach Devaughn Wallace after the game last Friday. Wallace is also the Culver City head baseball coach and a former Culver City two sport star athlete. "It was the same type of game tonight. This was very good for our program to get a close win. Tonight, we persevered."

It was a game of two halves. In the first half Mira Costa dominated the game by running the ball and keeping Culver City's offense off of the field. In the second half the Centaurs' offense came alive. "The adjustments in the second half we had to make were on offense," said Culver City head coach Jahmal Wright after the game. "We wanted to come out and run the ball. Pierce (Reynoso) did a great job of running the ball in the second half. He is a big part of why we won the game. If we didn't have Pierce, we would have not won that game."

Reynoso has been Culver City's best player for the first six games of the season. He is their best running back and their best linebacker. He has rushed for 461 yards on 64 carries. He stays on the field 90% of the time. "I love the game," said Reynoso after the Mira Costa game. "I just try to do my best. The coaches put me in positions where I need to be, and I just do the best that I can. I get tired but I still try get the job done because I love my team."

Another long-time assistant Culver City coach, a former Culver City player and a former Semi-Pro quarterback Reggie Haynes was also very excited after the homecoming win. "It feels really good to be able to win a tight game. It was very exciting. We came out with more energy in the second half."

Next up for the 4-2 Centaurs is another Bay league clash at Redondo Union. Kick off is set for 7 p.m. The Sea Hawks are 5-1 and they are coached by Keith Ellison. Ellison comes from a long line of great Ellison players and coaches. "It's going to be a tough game," said Wright. "Keith is a good friend of mine. He is like a little brother to me. He has done a very good job with the Redondo program. He is an excellent coach. We have to come ready to play."

So far this season Wright is really enjoying coaching these players. "This is a great group of kids. I am having fun coaching this group of kids. It's because of their hearts. Their parents raised some great kids."