McNeal, Venice remain sharp against Taft

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I’ve seen Milton Knox of Birmingham and he deserves every accolade he’s gotten, including City player of the year in 2006 when he helped the Patriots to their second title in three years.

I’ve also seen Curtis McNeal run for Venice, and if you haven’t seen him run, you are really missing something. There is something electric about that young man when he’s got a football in his hand.

McNeal rushed unofficially for 91 yards and scored two touchdowns as the 16th-ranked Gondoliers bolted to a 28-0 halftime lead over visiting Taft. But to say McNeal ran well is like saying Bill Gates has made a few dollars.

McNeal is one of those gifted athletes who’s at full speed within one or two steps. He makes cuts deeper than a butcher’s cleaver. On his second touchdown, McNeal leaped Taft’s defensive line from two yards out. And if you think the 5-8, 180-pound senior goes down from the first hit, think again. On two occasions Taft defenders had him corralled, and both times they were driven back by a well-placed forearm or shoulder.

McNeal wasn’t the only top performer for Venice. Quarterback RIchard Ragland unofficially threw for 201 yards and a touchdown. Wide receiver Jerry Johnson made two of stirring, leaping catches.

But when McNeal was on the field with the ball, he might as well have been alone. Because when McNeal has the ball, you can’t take your eyes off of him.

- Mike Terry