Crenshaw Thwarts Dorsey

If Crenshaw High’s football team is to go 14-0, echoing its chant after each victory this season, it probably will have to survive a major challenge along the way.

Dorsey gave the Cougars that challenge Friday night, and they answered it.

Crenshaw took a big step toward winning its second consecutive Coliseum League title by rallying from eight points down in the fourth quarter to score a 22-16 victory over the Dons at Jackie Robinson Stadium.

It was also another step on the way to the Coliseum, a path the Cougars (7-0, 2-0) traveled last year in en route to the City Section title game. Crenshaw Coach Robert Garrett didn’t dispute the importance of the victory.

“Well, I think [it was for the league title],” said Garrett, who believed it was the first time in his 15-year tenure his team had won against the Dons at the stadium. “I certainly hope so.

“It was a matter of pride. We were league champs last year and we’ve got a title to defend.”

Terrence Whitehead and Devin Hollins each scored on short touchdown runs in the fourth quarter to cap long drives. Hollins’ one-yard plunge with 4:52 remaining and a two-point conversion pass from Hollins to Whitehead gave the Cougars the lead.

Crenshaw’s defense, whose trademark is forcing turnovers, got only one takeaway Friday. It was critical as Corey Hudson stripped the ball from running back Melvin Petties and the Cougars’ Tracy Jones recovered it at the Crenshaw 14 with 2:05 remaining.

“All we needed was one today,” Garrett said.

The turnover came two plays after Petties had ripped off a 38-yard run that left Dorsey poised for a comeback.

“We were in a position to win,” Dorsey Coach Paul Knox said. “This week all we talked about was no turnovers. It was unfortunate.”

Dorsey (5-2, 1-1) took a 16-8 lead late in the third quarter when Jamaal Fay scored on an 11-yard run. It looked as if the Dons were ready to take control, but Whitehead said there was no reason to panic.

“We’re a second-half team,” said Whitehead, who ran for 70 yards and scored two touchdowns. “If we would have panicked, we might have lost the game.”