The #1 seeded Narbonne Gauchos went into the 2017 CIF record books as the inaugural winner of the L.A. City Section’s newly established “Open” Division, on 12/1/17. They defeated the Crenshaw Cougars by the score of 48-7. The game was played at the state-of-the-art Murdock Stadium, on the campus of El Camino College, located in Torrance, CA.
Brief Game Summary: The game was played rather close in the 1st quarter as the Gauchos used both its “ground and pound” and its vaunted “air attack” games to establish itself as the dominant force on the field of play, keeping the Cougars’ defensive unit on the field for the bulk of the first half. The Gauchos solo TD came in the 1st quarter when they scored on a 28 yd. pass from Senior QB Jalen Chatman to his WR/Steve Jenkins. The four second quarter TDs came as a result of Jemar Jefferon’s runs of 31, 14, who then followed those up with a catch of 3 yds. respectively, plus a 61 yd. “Bomb” from Chatman to again, his WR/JR/Steve Jenkins. This moved the score at halftime to 35-7, Narbonne.
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The 2nd half mirrored the first as the Gauchos maintained both their offensive and defensive dominance over the Cougars. Add in the total game exceptional play of the Special Teams and you couldn’t find a better formula for winning. The Gauchos added their 6th score at the 2:40 mark of the 3rd quarter stretching their lead to 42-7. Their final tally of the game came at the start of the final period and provided Coach Douglas with the great opportunity and most thankful gesture to play many of his reserves who are well respected by their starters. The Gauchos would then close out the game on cruise control with the final scoreboard showing 48-7. A solid, and high-performing mention goes out to Special Teams Place-Kicker, SR/Edgar Ramos, for converting 6 of 7 PATs, as well as handling all 8 of Narbonne’s kick-offs.
In the end, and, in addition to Narbonne’s overall coaching, the deep reserves of talent, the exceptional athletic abilities of the very seasoned and championship mentality it brings to each game and opponent, it was the difference in roster size that ultuimately powered the Gauchos (10-3), with an overall record now, to their victory. They certainly left no doubt in the minds of the 5,000 in attendance, as well as their growing fan base, that they dominated the Open Division field on their way to their 4th consecutive L.A. City Schools Championship, and their 8th in 10 years. A true and befitting testament to their outstanding program and of course, their illustrious school.
And, last but not least, a much-deserved congrats to L.A. City Section’s 4th All-Time Winningest Coach, Manuel Douglas, his dedicated coaching Staff, all of his players, and just as importantly, the school’s Administration on being crowned the first-ever 2017 LACS “Open” Division Champions.
The Gauchos are now anxious for the start of the CIF’s State Football Championship Bowl Games/Southern Regional Bracket when they take on the Paraclete HS “Spirits” (13-1), Lancaster, CA in a Division 1-A home game, on Saturday, December 9th. Kick-off is set for 6 pm. The winner of this game will take on the winner of Pittsburg vs. Granite Bay/Northern Regional Bracket at 4 pm on Saturday, December 16th at Sacramento St. College. By: Rico Cabrera, Sr./Editor, East L.A. Sports Scene Productions
Video Highlights: Frankli Robles, Student Intern, East L.A. Sports Scene Productions LLC & Accompanying Music Credits: Rujay, Instrumental: “Fire” by Ihaksi.
Photo Gallery: Erik Sarni, EastsideMediaTV.Com for East L.A. Sports Scene Productions, LLC
