With all-City running back Kenny Ashley leading the way, Venice High opened the football season with a 35-14 victory over Carson last Friday.
Ashley gained 180 yards on 17 carries, including touchdowns of 66, 62 and two yards.
The meeting was a rematch of the 2003 city championship game. Carson won that time after Venice had gone undefeated throughout the season.
But this was a young, inexperienced Carson team that was hurt by penalties. And there’s a nice continuity to the Venice program of Coach Angelo Gasca. This season, Venice is trying for its fourth straight Western League title.
What a gratifying weekend for Gasca. Not only did his team play well, but his former Venice quarterback, J.P. Losman, made his debut as an NFL starter with the Buffalo Bills.
Venice took a 28-7 halftime lead and wasn’t challenged thereafter.The next two Venice games will be played at Santa Monica College. On Friday night Venice will play Loyola. The following Friday the opponent will be Santa Monica.
