The Venice High football team had won impressively the previous two weeks, surprising defending CIF Division 1 champion Loyola and then Santa Monica in one-sided victories.
However, nationally-ranked Oaks Christian put an end to Venice’s streak, 47-17 on Thursday, September 28, in a game that was televised across the nation by the Fox Network.
Illustrating the increased popularity of high school football, a game is shown nationally each week. On this occasion, the Fox crew came to Venice High, focused on the marquee players and had a segment telling fans that the original Grease movie with Olivia Newton-John and John Travolta was filmed at Venice High, a fact well known locally.
On the field, Oaks Christian dominated, taking a 28-3 lead and never being challenged in remaining undefeated while Venice’s record became 2-2.
Quarterback Jimmy Clausen and running back Marc Tyler led the way. Tyler ran for 236 yards.
Venice star Curtis McNeal played well in the loss. On Friday night, October 6, Venice will play at Banning.
