It figured to be a total mismatch, and it was – to the point where the schools aren’t likely to play again next season.
But Santa Monica High’s 52-0 rout of St. Monica Friday night, September 29, at Corsair Field came with a price.
Louis Adeyemi, the Ocean League’s leading rusher, suffered a broken hand and isn’t likely to play for awhile.
It’s been a difficult time for Adeyemi, who was in an automobile accident during the off-season.
Sophomore Vincent Lawrence was scheduled to be Samohi’s starting running back for a high-profile non-league game against Los Alamitos Thursday, October 5. The result wasn’t available at press time.
Adeyemi’s loss is merely the latest of Samohi’s problems. Running back E.J. Woods transferred to Crespi High, defensive back Cameron Collins wasn’t cleared to play against Los Alamitos as he recovers from a broken hand, although it’s likely he’ll be back for the next game, and kicker Dylan Early missed the St. Monica game with a back injury suffered when he picked up a high snap and tried to run on a punt attempt against Venice.
Yet, despite the problems, Samohi was vastly superior to St. Monica, which hasn’t won a game.
Samohi scored on its first three possessions to take a 21-0 lead in the first quarter. The lead grew to 42-0 at halftime, and the coaches agreed to play running time in the second half.
It was the second straight year when running time was invoked. That’s when the trailing team admits it has no chance to catch up, and the game is shortened to prevent injuries.
St. Monica coach Chris Caminiti, in his first season, is seeking smaller schools as opponents beginning next year.
Santa Monica and St. Monica didn’t play for 60 years before the series was resumed four years ago. St. Monica, which has a much smaller enrollment, won the first meeting but has lost the last three.
“The two schools in Santa Monica playing is a great idea if the games are competitive,” said Samohi coach Zach Cuda.
“St. Monica was physically outmatched ,but I want to give their kids credit for their effort. They kept coming at us.”
But St. Monica couldn’t block Samohi’s defensive front. Consequently, the Mariners couldn’t mount a running attack.
Samohi came out passing. Geo Allen, John Dunn and tight end Max Monbouquette caught touchdown passes from quarterback Ryan Katz in the first period. Katz finished with 12 completions in 15 attempts for 208 yards and five touchdowns, all in the first half.
Backup quarterback Nick Montanari threw a few passes in the second half but primarily kept the ball on the ground.
Montanari received the call because Isai Carillo, who was scheduled to be Samohi’s backup quarterback, was still recovering from a broken hand. He’s expected back soon.
“We wanted to work on some things,” said Cuda. “Our pass protection broke down against Venice. We wanted to correct that.”
Samohi lost to Venice the previous week for its only defeat in four games.
Samohi scored one touchdown in the second half and completed the scoring with a field goal.
Samohi is preparing for Ocean League play, where its playoff chances will be determined.
Culver City is shaping up as a strong contender. The Centaurs have four one-sided wins using a wide-open offense featuring quarterback Darius Banks.
Defending champion Beverly Hills also looks strong.
St. Monica will play at Palisades Friday night, October 5. Palisades has a 2-2 record following a 10-3 non-league loss Friday, September 30, to Granada Hills.
