De’Anthony Thomas powers Crenshaw to City title

Is it too early to start the De’Anthony Thomas Heisman Trophy campaign for 2011 at USC?

Playing at the Coliseum, his future college stadium, in his final high school game, Thomas, nicknamed “Black Mamba,” enthralled players and fans alike with two memorable final plays, an interception and a 12-yard touchdown run in which he reversed field, leading Los Angeles Crenshaw to a 45-7 victory over Carson in the City Section Division I championship game Saturday.

Afterward, Thomas said he had changed his mind about becoming a defensive back at USC. Instead, he’s going out for running back.

“I’m trying to go for the Heisman,” he said.

It was a fitting ending that the best player in the City Section helped his team win a second consecutive championship by performing well on offense and defense.

He had two of Crenshaw’s five interceptions, including a 14-yard return for a touchdown in the first quarter. But it was his fourth-quarter touchdown run that will be long remembered. He took a handoff and ran to the right sideline, almost touching it. Suddenly, he reversed course and ended up scoring in the left corner of the end zone with 10 minutes 25 seconds left.

That was his final play in a Crenshaw uniform, displaying his speed and elusiveness. He finished with 137 yards in 12 carries.

“One day, he’ll play in the league,” Carson Coach Elijah Asante said. “That kid is great. I love his attitude and his approach to the game.”

It was not a good day for the top-seeded Colts (11-3), who learned the hard way why Crenshaw (12-2) believed it should have been seeded No. 1 when the playoffs began. Carson had eight turnovers and could never figure how to deal with Crenshaw’s defensive line, led by James Brock, Yohance Salimu and Junior Alexis.

“That defensive line really did us in,” Asante said.

There were six turnovers in the first quarter, including a 37-yard interception return for a touchdown by Shaquille Shelton that put Crenshaw on top, 13-0. Tracy Harris had two interceptions for Carson, except he never got a chance to run with the ball. One came in the end zone and another at the Crenshaw six-yard line.

Crenshaw didn’t score an offensive touchdown in opening a 16-0 halftime lead.

In the second half, Crenshaw’s offense picked up. Thomas had a 46-yard run. Reggie William caught a seven-yard touchdown pass. But it was the Cougars’ defense that controlled the game and the playoffs. Earl Glinton contributed the finishing touch with a third interception return for a touchdown.

Crenshaw outscored its four playoff opponents, 201-19. Crenshaw won its final 12 games after losing to North Gwinnett (Ga.) and Norco to start the season.

“I knew the first two games were going to be tough,” Thomas said. “We had a lot of young athletes. By the sixth week, I knew we’d be rolling.”

The good news for the rest of the City Section is that Thomas is finally graduating. Last season, he helped the Cougars finish 14-1, including a CIF state championship bowl game appearance. He’ll go down in history as one of the best athletes to come out of Los Angeles.

“I’m very proud of De’Anthony,” Coach Robert Garrett said. “He showed what he is all about.”

eric.sondheimer@latimes.com

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