Crenshaw-Dorsey Game Is Set

Despite a recent surge in gang activity, the Coliseum League football game involving Los Angeles Crenshaw and host L.A. Dorsey will be played as scheduled at 7 p.m. Friday at Jackie Robinson Stadium in Rancho Cienega Park.

Los Angeles Unified School District, L.A. city and law enforcement officials gathered at the stadium Tuesday to announce the game would be played. Officials said that any confusion over safety concerns was heightened by a lack of communication among LAUSD, police and the schools.

LAPD’s Southwest Division had planned to staff the game, but LAUSD police were apparently unaware to what extent and became concerned that a safe environment could not be guaranteed with their limited resources. City Councilman Martin Ludlow of the 10th District entered the discussions and brought all the parties together Tuesday in an effort to ensure a strong security presence at Rancho Cienega Park, which is adjacent to the Dorsey campus.

“In a country that prides itself on homeland security, attending a crosstown football rivalry should not be considered a dangerous activity,” said Ludlow, who had heard unfounded rumors over the weekend that the game would be canceled. “However, as a community that has endured significant gang problems compounded by Halloween celebrations, it would be irresponsible if we did not mobilize government resources to ensure our children’s safety.”

Southwest Division police provided about 70 officers at last year’s game to complement about a dozen school district police for the first night game at Crenshaw. Ludlow said Capt. Kyle Jackson assured him the division would match the resources it provided last year.

Martin Henderson

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Boys’ Cross-Country

Los Angeles Loyola’s Mark Matusak, the defending state track and field champion at 1,600 meters, has committed to California. Matusak finished second in the Divisions I-II boys’ individual sweepstakes race Saturday at the Mt. San Antonio College Invitational. He won the race last year.