Davis Passes First Test for Venice

Quarterback Beau Davis made quite a first impression in his first game as Venice High’s quarterback.

With his set of talented receivers repeatedly making big plays, Davis passed for 278 yards and four touchdowns in a 34-14 victory over Carson, his former team, in an opener at Venice.

Gerold Rodriguez, James Lewis and Ryan Graves, who scored twice, were on the receiving end of the touchdown passes.

“It’s nice throwing to those guys,” said Davis, a senior who completed 14 of 20 passes. “My line blocked great for me.”

Lewis’ score, a catch with a defender draped all over him, gave Venice a 7-0 lead. Rodriguez’s touchdown came on a short screen pass that he turned into a 72-yard play.

Graves, who caught 106 passes for Pasadena Muir last season, had five receptions for 100 yards. He scored twice in the third quarter, the first on a screen pass he turned into an 80-yard play. His six-yard reception for a touchdown gave Venice some breathing room after Carson had trimmed the deficit to 20-14.

Byron Ellis capped the scoring with a 27-yard touchdown run to start the fourth quarter. Carson’s Dwayne Sanders carried seven times for 133 yards, including a 66-yard run for a touchdown.

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-- Eric Stephens