Expectations are high for the Venice High football team, which has defeated CIF powers Santa Monica and Oaks Christian and has hopes of winning the first LA City Section championship in the history of the school.
But coaches in any sport realize the first goal for any program is to take care of business in your league. That is often the starting point.
So Venice, which lost a non-league game to Banning the previous week, had to regroup for its Western League opener Friday night, October 12.
The game happened to be against longtime rival Westchester, and there were many years when this contest was the focal point of Venice’s season.
Venice did pay close attention and romped to a 42-3 victory.
Curtis McNeal, who has committed to USC, scored two touchdowns. Jerry Johnson, who has committed to UCLA, also scored twice. And Richard Ragland, who has started at quarterback for four seasons, ably guided the attack.
Angelo Gasca is Venice’s veteran head coach and has built a stellar program. By contrast, Westchester Coach Adrian Ivory is in his first season with the varsity after coaching lower level Comet teams for 12 years. The Comets have shown promise but their record is only 2-4.
Venice will have another home league game Friday night, October 19 opposing Hamilton.
