Teondray Caldwell rushed for 293 yards and scored 7 touchdowns and the Venice Gondoliers routed visiting Harvard Westlake 47-16.
Caldwell, a senior in his first year playing running back, had scoring runs of 5, 59, 2, 2, 9, and twice from 80 yards out.
With the end of the first half nearing, Venice coach Angelo Gasca seemingly opted to run the clock out from the 20-yard line. Caldwell took a stretch play off the right tackle eluded several defenders, fighting off several tackles and spinning his way to the open field. His run left game officials shaking their heads in disbelief, and was reminiscent to this incredible Adrian Peterson scamper from a year ago. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lrhBXbVmrWc
The Gondos offense looked as smooth and electric as ever, with a tall and athletic group of receivers giving Harvard Westlake defensive backs fits. 6’2” senior Frank Murray had 50 and 35-yard receptions and junior Deontay Banks took a 41-yard reception to the one-yard line to set up a Caldwell score.
Most of the offensive damage was done without top junior wideout Gabriel Marks , who sustained a hip injury while returning a punt for a touchdown early in the first quarter (the score was called back on a penalty).
The Wolverines, who graduated their top 3 receivers in 2009, had trouble matching the Gondos’ athleticism and moving the ball on offense. Junior running back Jamias Jones found little running room all night, and excellent coverage by Venice defensive backs held the passing game in check.
Venice travels to West Covina next week in a rematch of the 2009 game, a 41-33 Gondo victory.
Graham Davis is a local sports lover currently studying journalism at CSULB, and Crossroads is happy to have him covering local football for us. He knows the guys, he knows the game, and he knows the drill.
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