Culver City Observer -

Special to the Observer

Part 2 of 2

Last week the offense was featured in our Culver City High football preview. Now we’ll focus on the defense

Defensive line:

Since the Tom Salter era began in 1999, Culver City switched from an even (40) defense to a 3-4 defensive odd front. This has been the basis of their front three which contains several reads.

Coaches are excited about the leaders on the defensive line. “Although not big in stature, they make up for it in quickness and ferocity.

“The first one is Fred Wadibia (6’-0”, 215 lbs.) who is a first team All Ocean League returning defensive linemen. He led the team in sacks last year. Fred had a great offseason and has added bulk and strength to his frame, and we are expecting a bigger impact on our defensive line this year.

“Marcus Montgomery Sr., nose tackle, is one of our stronger Centaur defenders. He will be a first year starter. He has worked in the offseason and hopes to be a major plug in the middle of the D Line.

“Alfredo Mendoza (5’-10” 220 lb. Sr.) will be depended on to be a two-way player. He will play full time on the offensive line and will switch on the D line at both nose and defensive tackle. He knew that he was going to have an expanded role this year, and he worked very hard because of these added responsibilities. He has All League potential because of his quickness and determination.

“Also seeing significant playing time will be juniors Cameron Lowe, Cameryn Newman, and Kyle McKinnis. The defensive line does not have a lot of depth but makes up for it with quality players.”

Linebackers:

“Anthony Polk is a returning starter who we are counting on for strong leadership at the linebacker position; he is a tough physical hard-hitting presence. Simon Balenzuela (5’-9”, 185 lb. Sr.) is a hard-hitting tough physical football player who is a first year starter and fits the mentality of an inside linebacker.

“Kyle Lyons (6’-2’’. 220 lb. Jr.) will be a first year starter. He had a good off-season and has worked hard to be a “Centaur” outside linebacker. Senior Jeremy Marrero (5’-10”, 175 lbs.) is a cerebral player, who will be used at both safety and outside linebacker because of his intelligence and physical play.

“Others who will play will be Ulysses Santiago, Sr., and three sophomores, Elija Zavala, Rylan Sugars, and Elija Salazar. Culver City has always been blessed to have a fine group of defensive backs and this year should be no different.”

Defensive Backs:

“Over the years many Centaur DB’s have gone on to play college football and earn scholarships. Senior Raynard Saxon (6’-2”, 185 lbs.) will be the captain of the backfield at his safety position. He always seems to be around the ball and makes loads of plays. He is a first team All-Ocean League returning safety and brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the secondary. He is one of the better high school defensive backs in the area and has garnered much college attention.

“Jarrett Anderson (5’-8”, 160 lbs. Sr.) is coming off a great track season and is excited about his role as a starting corner and has improved tremendously. He is the brother of former Centaur Jeremi Anderson, who is a former running back and slot receiver for the Cents.

“Senior Donovan Davis is one of the better athletes on the team, and because of this Coach Wright has decided to expand his role into a two-way player. Another player who will see significant playing time is Evan Tillman. He is a 5’-8” 145 lb. Sr. He has two older brothers who played corner at Culver City. He had a great offseason and looks forward to a very productive year.

“The others who will see playing time are senior safety Elijah Irvine and juniors Luis Schulz, CB, and Mason Mulvihill, junior safety. Although the Centaurs are a little lacking in overall depth this year because of the transfers, the coaching staff feels that this is a much more cohesive group that will fight hard to bring the Centaurs another league title.”