Culver City Stops McDonald, Rallies to Beat Buena Park

Buena Park’s bid to win its first playoff game in school history fell by the wayside when Culver City beat the Coyotes, 17-13, in the first round of the Division VII playoffs Friday night at Culver City High.

The Coyotes (4-7), the Freeway League runners-up, have lost seven playoff appearances since 1963.

Culver City will play Rancho Alamitos in the next round.

Buena Park’s George McDonald rushed for a game-high 104 yards in 22 carries, including two first-half touchdowns.

McDonald, who has scored six touchdowns in the last two games, gained 103 yards in the first half. On the Coyotes’ second play from scrimmage, the junior broke loose for a 57-yard touchdown run.

McDonald also had a four-yard touchdown run with 2 minutes remaining in the opening quarter to give Buena Park a 13-0 lead.

“Culver City made some good adjustments on George in the second half,” first-year Buena Park Coach Russ McHale said. Culver City held McDonald to one yard rushing in nine carries after halftime.

The Centaurs (6-5), the Ocean League co-champions with Inglewood Morningside, battled back to take a 14-13 lead at the half.

Running backs Chris Ellison and Jona Sami each scored rushing touchdowns. Sami scored on a 50-yard scamper with 1:10 remaining in the first half.

Culver City failed to capitalize on two Buena Park turnovers to open the second half, but a 33-yard field goal by kicker/quarterback Richard Perez gave the Centaurs a 17-13 lead early in the fourth quarter.