The Point Loma Pointers (2-1) “” reeling from convincing victories over the Morse Tigers and Fallbrook Warriors “” gave up the first defeat of the season at the hands of the Culver City Centaurs (2-0) during the Saturday, Sept. 16 home game, 40-13.
The undefeated Centaurs had previously pummeled St. Bernard Vikings 53-24 to open the season.
“We are a young team and Saturday’s game was a learning experience,” said Point Loma Head Coach Mike Hastings.
Point Loma fell behind early in the first quarter, struggled to make a game of it in the second and third quarters, only to see the Centaurs pull away in the fourth.
The Centaurs came out swinging early with their fast-paced, “no huddle” offense, creating a 20-0 first quarter lead with three touchdown drives on the first three possessions.
The opponents racked up more than 200 yards on offense and 13 first downs, while Point Loma managed only three first downs and was forced to punt twice, turning the ball over multiple times in the first period.
“They were able to move the ball on us, but we are working hard to improve on defense and working on the little things to improve as a team,” Hastings said.
Culver City’s fourth touchdown of the first half was set up by an interception. Culver cornerback Tyrone Justin stole the ball from Point Loma wide receiver Drew Callejon, who made a leaping attempt to catch quarterback Josh Shaw’s pass. But the ball travelled high in the stiff wind and allowed the Centaur defensive back to catch up and wrestle the ball from Callejon before being tackled at the Point Loma 23-yard line. The Centaurs struck on the next play, a 23-yard touchdown pass down the seam from Banks to wide receiver David Gonzalez.
The Pointers did not throw in the towel, though, and their defense stiffened in the second quarter. The offense, however, continued to stumble and bumble, turning the ball over twice (interception, fumble) until they managed to get on the scoreboard on Luis Villavicencio’s four-yard touchdown run at 2:47 in the half to cut the deficit to 27-7. Villavicencio’s score capped a five-play, 65-yard drive.
The Pointers struck again with a 51-yard touchdown by Villavicencio, his second of the game, on a quick trap play up the middle. The extra point attempt was no good and the Pointers could get no closer than 27-13 the rest of the game.
The Centaurs answered the Pointer touchdown with a score on a five-play drive of their own just before the end of the third quarter on a 12-yard touchdown pass from Banks to Justin. Culver City added another touchdown with 8:43 to go in the game to round out the scoring.
“Our ultimate goal is winning the Western League Championship, which begins when we face La Jolla in two weeks,” Hastings said.
The Pointers will try and rebound this week as they travel to Chula Vista Friday, Sept. 22 to face the Otay Ranch Mustangs (1-1) in another non-conference game.
“It’s going to be another test for our team,” Hastings added.