Crenshaw Still in Top Form

Crenshaw High lost several key contributors from the big-play defense that propelled the Cougars to the City Section football championship game last season.

But in Crenshaw’s opener Friday against Westchester, it looked like there won’t be much of a drop-off this season.

Crenshaw intercepted three passes and recovered three Comet fumbles en route to a 23-0 nonleague victory at Crenshaw.

Business as usual, said Crenshaw junior Robert Holt, who intercepted two passes against Westchester, the defending Western League champion.

“We come out every game and try to make things happen on defense, that’s our trademark,” Holt said. “We’re going all the way this year. We’re going to win the City championship this time.”

Crenshaw, which lost to Carson in last year’ final, scored three touchdowns as a result of Westchester turnovers.

Crenshaw’s Tracy Jones intercepted a pass by Westchester quarterback Jason Benson with 4:35 left in the first quarter and the Cougars scored three plays later on a one-yard run by Terrence Whitehead to take a 6-0 lead.

Crenshaw went ahead, 9-0, after a 30-yard field goal by Wember Santamaria with 9:18 left in the first half as Westchester’s offense struggled to find its rhythm.

Westchester finally began to mount a challenge in the second half after Crenshaw wasted a seven-minute possession by losing a fumble with 2:37 left in the third quarter.

But that’s when the Cougar defense really stepped up.

Westchester, spurred by backup quarterback Brian Johnson, drove to the Crenshaw 28 with 11 minutes left. Johnson then rolled out on a first-down play and fumbled when he was hit from behind by Jones. Linebacker Shaun Rogers scooped up the ball and rambled 60 yards for a touchdown. Whitehead ran for a two-point conversion and Crenshaw led, 17-0.

On the ensuing possession, Johnson fumbled after a 12-yard scramble and Crenshaw recovered at its 39.

Cougar quarterback Devin Hollins and Holt sandwiched 10- and 12-yard pass plays around a personal foul penalty against Westchester. Hollins completed a five-yard pass to Rogers before Justin Smith capped the drive by catching a screen pass and running 20 yards for a touchdown.

“We play a very physical game,” Rogers said. “We’re not the biggest team, but we’re fast and we play with enthusiasm. Turnovers are going to happen when you play us.”

Hollins completed 10 of 21 passes for 145 yards and rushed for 30 yards. Holt had five receptions for 58 yards.