Even on the road, even against a quality opponent, even facing a large halftime deficit, the Venice high football team doesn’t give up.
Venice overcame a 28-9 intermission deficit to defeat Oaks Christian Friday night, September 28, 41-35. The Gondoliers have a 4-0 record going into a home game Friday night against Banning.
As usual, Curtis McNeal came through for Venice with an impressive performance.
The 5-foot-7 McNeal scored five touchdowns, including a 40-yard interception return with 1:49 remaining that broke a 35-35 tie.
McNeal, who has committed to USC next season, had scored four touchdowns and run for 235 yards the previous week in a 33-7 victory over Santa Monica.
McNeal tied the game at 35 by scoring with 2:04 remaining.
It was the second consecutive defeat for Oaks Christian, which had won its previous 48 games. The streak ended in a 41-33 loss to St. Bonaventure of Ventura.
In a game that was nationally televised, Oaks Christian won at Venice a year ago.