Crenshaw High School could not conquer the Mission Hills Grizzlies, losing to them in a 20-21 bout. Although Crenshaw rallied back, their mistakes would put them at a disadvantage.
Mission Hills struggled running the ball down the field early; Crenshaw’s defense was quick to stop them. However, Mission would have more completed passes than Crenshaw.
The Cougars dropped several long ranged passes throughout the game.
Mission Hills was the first to reach the end zone late in the first quarter, earning a field goal to make it a seven-point play.
In the second quarter, the Cougars turned over the ball twice; allowing Mission Hills to get close enough for a field goal attempt. The kick was no good and Crenshaw gained possession.
Throws to Manasseh Bennett would advance the Cougars down the field. Runs by quarterback Daiyan Henley would get Crenshaw within three yards of the end zone.
A pass to Mark Martin gave the Cougars their first touchdown of the night. Henley ran in the end zone for a successful two-point conversion with only seconds left in the second quarter. Crenshaw had the lead 8-7 going into halftime.
Mission Hills quarterback Jack Tuttle showed off his speed and throwing accuracy throughout the night. He rushed 19 yards to score another touchdown for the Grizzlies. After a successful field goal kick, Mission Hills was up 14 – 8 against Crenshaw.
The cougars continued to throw incomplete passes and turn the ball over. Soon after, Mission Hills threw a touchdown pass and landed a good field goal kick. The Grizzlies notched up the score 21-8.
At the beginning of the fourth quarter, Romeo Burnside ran in a touchdown for Crenshaw. The Cougars failed in the two-point conversion, leaving the Cougars to have 14-21 against Mission Hills.
Crenshaw blocked a punt, allowing the Cougars to have possession at Mission Hills’ 18-yard line. Henley rushed in another touchdown, but could not follow through on the two-point conversion. Crenshaw advanced to 20 points with 6:28 left in regulation. Neither team was able to score for the rest of the game.
Crenshaw will be back in action on Sept. 9 when they travel to San Diego to play against San Ysidro High School.
