HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL / CITY SECTION SEMIFINALS : Crenshaw Takes Big Risks but Stops Dorsey Anyway

With a seven-point lead and the ball deep in its own territory late in the fourth quarter, Crenshaw High twice chose not to punt on fourth-and-one situations.

Daring for most, but not for the Cougars as they twice gained the needed yardage to help them hold on to a 26-19 victory over Dorsey in the City 4-A semifinal Friday night at Fremont High.

Farrel Payton, who gained 98 yards in 19 carries, rushed for the key first downs on both plays. Crenshaw (12-1), which kept the ball for seven of the final eight minutes, finally punted to the Dons, whose last drive ended on an interception by Johnny Johnson as time expired.

After a high-scoring first half, the game turned defensive in the second half. Dorsey twice drove deep into Crenshaw territory only to come away empty, thanks to a key tackle by Kabeer Smith and an overthrown pass by Dorsey.

Crenshaw, however, ended the scoring drought with a halfback option pass by Seals, who finished with 97 yards in 23 carries, to Magee, who caught five passes for 157 yards and two touchdowns.