Following last Friday’s win over St. Bernard in the CIF Southern Section Division 11 football playoffs, Santa Monica High School’s football team is set to host its first home playoff game in more than half-a-decade.
Most of the Vikings’ players were confident heading into last week’s matchup against St. Bernard High School, and the team’s recent 23-0 victory has many in high spirits again this week as they prepare to host an undefeated Inglewood High School at Corsair Stadium.
Friday Recap
Samohi traveled to Bishop Montgomery High School last week to face the 4-5 Vikings from Playa del Rey.
A 6-yard touchdown run by Raymun Smith was the lone touchdown of the game in the first half, but Samohi would pick up the pace after halftime using its “two-headed monster on the ground,” Coach Matthew Kirk said Tuesday.
Fellow running back Bryce Smith put the Vikings up two scores, 14-0, in the third quarter with a 15-yard touchdown run, and Joseph Duran would complete the team’s hat trick of rushing touchdowns in the fourth, bringing the score to 23-0.
The Vikings’ defense smothered St. Bernard throughout night, allowing only 82 yards of total offense in all four quarters. St. Bernard running back Jakai Torres had 21 yards on 14 attempts and quarterback Josh Coleman completed less than a handful of passes during the game.
Defensive back Donavon Parks secured his sixth interception of the year, Jonathon Olmedo had two sacks and a safety in the fourth put the team up three scores.
“We played real stout defense and ran the ball for the win,” Kirk said, adding, “We didn’t get Anthony the record yet,” but the team teams hopes to in the upcoming game.
“This week we are at home against an 11-0 Inglewood team, but our guys are confident and up for the challenge based on who we’ve already had to play this season,” Kirk said. “We are battle tested.”
Undefeated Inglewood High
Inglewood High beat Banning High School to 49-2 to move onto the second round of the CIF Southern Section Playoffs and continue its undefeated season.
Samohi players said it’s important for them to limit the Sentinels’ big play opportunities, run the ball well and win the turnover battle if they are to pull off the upset over one of the top seeds in their bracket.
Coach Kirk added it’s also key to win third and long and out hit and block Inglewood.
Game Details
The upcoming quarterfinal matchup between the Vikings and Sentinels is scheduled for 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 15 at Santa Monica College. Tickets for adults are $10. Students with identification receive half-off and children tickets costs $3.
