Centaurs Entertain Dorsey in Historic Matchup

Although Dorsey high school is only a few blocks east of Culver City the two teams have never met on the gridiron. After more than 60 years this 2016 historic matchup will finally take place this Friday night, September 30.

Culver has played Dorsey in 7 on 7 summer tussles usually at Loyola high school and have done reasonable well against the Dons. Dorsey had been a long time city powerhouse under Paul Knox but the decision was made last year by their new principal to part company with their legendary coach.

Now led by Charles Mincy, the Dons are trying to continue their winning ways. They currently sport a 2-2 record after beating Pago Pago American Samoa and Birmingham while losing to national power Serra 34-6 on September 9 and St. Francis on September 23. The Centaurs are familiar with Coach Mincy as he was head coach at rival Inglewood when Culver played them several times a few years back.

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Since Dorsey has few current stats on Maxpreps it was not possible to identify their star players. They are lead by Jerman Gotoy, a senior and 3-year starter who at 6' 205 lbs. is a duel-threat quarterback. The Dons typically have several Division 1 prospects and like Culver City they encourage their players to run track so they're similarly fast and athletic.

Culver City took a chance on playing city powerhouse Crenshaw recently. Although the Centaurs went 1-3, the games were well attended, clean and hard hitting. This was one of the reasons Culver City decided to play Dorsey but certainly hope to have a better outcome this time.

Culver City is lead by junior second year starting quarterback Jonathan Martin who in 3 games has completed 51 of 90 passes for 862 yards, 10 TDs and 5 interceptions. He has also run 23 times for 73 yards, a 3.2 yards-per-carry average.

There are several others Centaurs who have had exemplary seasons on offense: running back Brandon Oum has carried the ball 36 times for 379 yards, 2 touchdowns and a better than 10 yards-per-carry average. Brandon, who also runs on the track team, has tremendous quickness and cutting ability.

The two stand-out surprises from early season play have been junior Charles Ross and Kevin McGuire. Ross has made several spectacular catches for 5 touchdowns and has 14 receptions for 348 yards for a whopping 24.9 yards-per-reception average.

Sophomore sensation McGuire has caught 22 passes for 282 yards, a 12.8 yards-per-reception average, and 2 touchdowns. He has also been a tremendous asset while running the football, where he has 12 carries for 220 yards, for an amazing 18.3 yards-per-carry average and 3 rushing touchdowns.

Although the Centaurs have had several injuries, the defense has done fairly well in the early season. They gave up 34 point to West Torrance in their first game but in the last 3 games have given up a total of only 35 points. However, Dorsey is probably the best team they will face in the preseason.

The stand out tacklers on defense have been returning all league linebacker Elijah Zavala who has done an admirable job while collecting 31 tackles and scintillating sophomore Roman Hayden who has used his strength and quickness to constantly beat his opponents.

After 3 games he has had 25 tackles and 5 sacks and could threaten the Centaur all time sack record held by former professional football player Ryan Riddle who graduated from Culver City High in '99.

Other standouts have been newcomers junior inside linebacker Jordan Armstrong and senior safety John Ewis, both with 24 tackles. Two other surprises for the defense this year have been senior safety Steven Ashby and senior outside linebacker Diego Lopez.

Fred Altieri

Pregame introduction at University High

If the Centaurs have any hope of pulling off the upset this weekend the entire defense must run and hit with abandon and dominate the Dons.