Defense Leads Culver City 6th Grade Football Team to Victory

The Culver City 6th Grade Flag Football Panther team beat visiting Westside Innovative School House II Thursday 12-0. The Panthers continued their defensive dominance holding WISH to 37 yards and keeping WISH far from the end zone. The defense was led by linebacker/cornerback Emmanuel Shaw, safety William Schultz, cornerback/safety David Lee, cornerback Royce Williams, safety Leo Matsuoka, defensive ends Thomas Chee, Alba Navas, Getu Whitney and cornerback Brandon Zeidman.

The game was tied at halftime, but the Panther offense was just getting started. On the opening drive of the second half, quarterback Schultz started the scoring with a 52 yard touchdown scamper on a broker play. The Panthers failed to convert the extra point, taking a 6-0 lead. Culver City threatened again on the next series, as Royce Williams ran 25 yards on a reverse, only to see that play called back on a flag guard penalty. After the Culver City drive stalled on the ten yard line, the defense took over. Four plays later, WISH failed to move the ball, and Culver City took possession.

On the very next play, Emmanuel Shaw sealed the victory, rushing right for a ten yard touchdown, giving Culver City a 12-0 win. Royce Williams led the Panthers with 57 yards rushing. Quarterback Elijah Adams rushed for 25 on a quarterback sneak. The offensive line, led by Miro Garrett, John Kim, Abel Adebe, and Thomas Chee, opened up huge holes for the Panther runners.

Coach Maurice Shaw seemed relieved after the game explaining, “We looked a bit out of it during the first half, but the players really came on strong in the second half. I am so proud of the effort they gave.” Center Miro Garrett was understandably excited, “It is fun, come on it’s football. We get to hit people and it’s not only allowed but encouraged. We are so lucky to have Coach Shaw. I’ve learned so much already, and the results show how great a coach he is.”

Culver City, now 2-0, plays Frank D. Parent (Inglewood) Middle School on Friday, October 9 at 4:00 pm at Culver City.

– Scott Zeidman