Chatsworth’s Offense Stopped by Carson’s Rainy-Night Plan

Carson High Coach Mike Sakurai planned for a night like this.

At the beginning of the City Section 3-A playoffs two weeks ago, he switched his spread offense to a two-back running attack to better prepare the Colts for a rainy, muddy game.

The Colts and tailback Maurice Miller got the perfect weather Friday night, as Chatsworth’s offense was rendered useless in a 17-0 loss in a semifinal at rain-soaked Gardena High.

Carson got what it needed out of Miller, who gained 215 yards in 30 carries.

“Maybe we should wet down the field every week for him,” said Sakurai

Top-seeded Carson (6-5-2) advances to the 3-A final Friday at the Coliseum against El Camino Real.

The loss was the final game for Chatsworth Coach Myron Gibford, who announced his retirement before the season. The Chancellors (7-6) were seeded 13th, but used a balanced attack to pull off road victories against South Gate and Garfield.

But the Colts held Chatsworth to 60 yards of offense. One of the best passing attacks in the City Section was good enough for only 17 yards.

“We got taken out of our passing game,” said Gibford. “And their defense did a great job of stopping the run.”

Chatsworth tried running early behind Ryan Martinez, the Chancellors’ best athlete who moved from quarterback to tailback. But Martinez finished with three yards in 15 carries.

Eric Harris fared somewhat better, gaining 33 yards in 11 carries, but Chatsworth never got past the Carson 20.

Meanwhile Carson used Miller to eat up large chunks of time. The Colts attempted only five passes but one was a seven-yard touchdown from Ed Nabayan to Justin Garland late in the first quarter for a 7-0 lead.

Carson put the game out of reach early in the second quarter off a fumbled a punt return by Martinez. Machtier Clay picked up the loose ball and ran 23 yards for the score and led 13-0.

Chatsworth didn’t even get a first down until midway though the second quarter.

The Chancellors fumbled the exchange from center three times in the first half and Chatsworth was unable to attempt a pass until the first play of the third quarter.

Chatsworth was finally able to put a drive together behind several inside runs by Martinez and Harris, but the Chancellors stalled just beyond midfield and were forced to punt.

“We couldn’t do anything,” said sophomore quarterback Matt Cassel, who completed three of six passes for 17 yards. But we didn’t want Coach Gibford to go out a loser like this.”

Gibford, however, wasn’t concerned about the result.

“All the kids played as hard as they could,” Gibford said. “Carson just played better defense.”