This was supposed to be a rebuilding year for the Culver City High School varsity football team. It looks like someone forgot to tell the football players and the coaches. If their 41-7 victory over King/Drew last Thursday night at Los Angeles Southwest Community College is any indication of just how good they are or can be, it looks like they have all the pieces on offense and defense to be able to compete against the majority of the teams on their schedule. Their next game is Friday, September 5, at 0-2 Narbonne, at 7 p.m.
The biggest question mark for the 2025 Centaurs was who was going to replace All-CIF quarterback Seth Shigg and receivers and defensive backs Braylon Singleton and Myles Singleton. Shigg is playing football at West Point Military Academy, and the Singleton brothers are playing football at Northern Arizona University.
One game does not make a season, but junior quarterback Nicolas Hoang stepped into the spotlight and delivered a masterful performance. With great protection from his offensive line the quarterback with two years of varsity experience took advantage of great offensive play calling and receivers that ran near perfect pass routes. “Nic got his first start, and he did everything we asked him to do,” said Culver City head varsity football coach Jahmal Wright after the game. “I am excited for him.”
“It felt great,” said Hoang after the King/Drew game. “I had a chip on my shoulder coming into this game. It felt very relieving being able to throw three touchdown passes tonight. Last year I threw two touchdown passes all year. I already broke my record.”
Hoang is excited to have so many receivers to throw the ball to. The Centaurs have seven or eight capable pass catchers. “It feels great to have those many weapons to throw to. I have been building a lot of chemistry with them since the summer passing leagues, but we still have work to do.”
Hoang two main receivers are seniors William Fourte and Harley Moore. Both wideouts had big games last Thursday night. Moore was spectacular. He made a driving touchdown catch and several other great plays. “It felt great,” said Moore. “Culver City offense has always been good over the years. We don’t have a regular offense. This is my senior year, so we just want to keep going in the right direction.”
Fourte, who is also a basketball star, said he knew the Centaurs would be ready to play last Thursday. “I was confident that we were going to have a good game against King/Drew. We are growing as a team. Me and Harley are mentoring the younger receivers, making sure everyone is physically and mentally ready. We want to make sure everyone is connected.”
Fourte’s older brother, Mark, who was a football, basketball and track and field standout for the Centaurs last year is always giving his younger brother advice on the sideline. “My brother helps me a lot,” said William. “He tells me to stay mentally locked in and be ready to play and make sure I am communicating with my quarterback.”
The offense scored 41 points against King/Drew, but the defense was equally dominant giving up just seven points late in the game. The defense was led by linebackers Jordan Njoku, Damarion Boyd and Shelton Bryant, defensive backs Evan Powell, Derrick Huezo Jr. and Johan Givens. Senior defensive lineman Marion Reyes and kicker Hudson King also had great games.
Wright is hoping for similar results on Friday when they travel to Narbonne at 7 p.m. “Against King/Drew the team executed the game plan. Week one is always exciting. We wanted to make sure we were ready to go, and the team answered the call. It was rewarding to see us play well. We are starting on the right foot but it was not a very clean game, but I am still proud of the team.”